Public Lands & 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.
Weekly Climate Policy Update - December 14, 2007
Kyle Danish, Andrea Hudson, Shelley FidlerDecember 14, 2007
After a dramatic finish, the Bali talks produced a two-year road map for development of a successor to the Kyoto Protocol. The Bush Administration successfully avoided inclusion of any explicit emission targets in the Action Plan. However, after the 2008 Presidential election, a different team will take the field for U.S., and that team will face strong international pressure to accept binding reduction obligations.
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 Policy Update - December 7, 2007
Kyle Danish, Shelley Fidler, Andrea HudsonDecember 7, 2007
This week saw two major successful developments in Congress – Senate Committee passage of climate legislation after months of negotiation, as well as passage of an energy bill of 1,000 pages by the House of Representatives.
Articles
Colorado River Management Plan Update
Jonathan SimonThe Grand Canyon River Runner
May 2008
On January 11, 2008, nearly a month and a half after the federal district court in Arizona wholly rejected their challenge to the new Colorado River Management Plan issued by the National Park Service (NPS) in February 2006, the plaintiffs in that lawsuit appealed that court's ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. While the NPS and other stakeholders hoped that the court's decision would provide a basis for the agency to move forward and work with all user groups in continuing to implement the new plan, the appeal ensures that the underlying issues will remain mired in controversy before the courts for some time to come.
Colorado River Management Plan Update
Colorado River Management PlanJonathan Simon
The Grand Canyon River Runner
November 1, 2007
In February 2006, the NPS issued a new CRMP that revised and updated the previous river management plan developed in 1980 and revised in 1981 and 1989.
Seminars & Events
American Public Power Association Legal Seminar
Hydroelectric Licensing DevelopmentsSeattle, WA
October 17, 2007
John Clements will outline recent developments in hydroelectric licensing. Matt Love will speak about Endangered Species Act issues associated with hydroelectric licensing.