Environment & Natural Resources Practice
Issue Alerts
Weekly Climate Policy Update - December 21, 2007
Kyle Danish, Andrea Hudson, Shelley FidlerDecember 21, 2007
This week, President Bush signed an energy bill that significantly increases fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks, mandates greater biofuels production, and creates efficiency standards for buildings. Although the bill was not as comprehensive as earlier versions – which included a renewable portfolio standard and tax incentives for renewable energy production – it addresses a number of energy issues facing the U.S. The enactment of the bill and its increased fuel economy standards also contributed to EPA’s landmark decision to deny California’s request for a waiver to implement its vehicle CO¬2 emission standards. The denial marks the first time that EPA has denied such a waiver and sets the stage for a showdown between the state and the agency. The denial, and EPA’s reasoning for denying the waiver, may have important implications for the future of GHG regulation at the agency.
Energy Independence and Security Act Becomes Law; Congress Acts on Additional Energy-Related Bills but Issues Remain for 2008
Patrick Currier, Caroline Roach, Curt RichDecember 20, 2007
Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act, an energy bill that includes new energy efficiency and renewable fuel requirements, but does not include renewable electricity requirements or energy tax incentives. Congress also adopted the omnibus appropriations bill which contains new direction on loan guarantees for advanced energy projects, and the Senate passed a farm bill containing incentives for biofuels, setting up a conference with the House of Representatives in early 2008.
Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act Clears Senate Committee Markup: Future Prospects Uncertain
Tom Roberts, Andrea HudsonDecember 7, 2007
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works favorably reported the S.2191, The Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act, by an 11-8 vote. S.2191, as reported from the full Committee, retains the major design features of the version reported from the Subcommittee on Private Sector and Consumer Solutions to Global Warming and Wildlife Protection on November 1, 2007.
Weekly Climate Change Policy Update - November 30, 2007
Kyle Danish, Andrea Hudson, Alex LazurNovember 30, 2007
It looks likely that the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee will report out the Lieberman-Warner bill at the end of its Dec. 5-6 markup. The bill underwent some significant surgery this week, including modifications to the allowance allocation provisions and a shift to "upstream" regulation of emissions from natural gas. Also, there are indications that the House and Senate could close on an energy bill in December. The final bill appears likely to include a substantial tightening of fuel economy standards.
Weekly Climate Change Policy Update - October 26, 2007
Andrea Hudson, Kyle Danish, Shelley FidlerOctober 26, 2007
The Lieberman-Warner bill got its first Congressional hearing this week in a subcommittee of the Environment & Public Works Committee. Permitting issues for coal-fired power plants remain at the forefront of the climate change debate. Read more about these and other developments in this week's Update.
Seminars & Events
Carbon Markets U.S. Forum
Point CarbonWashington, DC
January 2007
Van Ness Feldman's Bob Nordhaus spoke on legal and legislative developments and the firm exhibited at this conference, the first such event in the U.S. for leading global greenhouse gas media outlet and market advisory service Point Carbon.