Late last month, Chief Judge Brenda Sannes, of the Northern District of New York, ruled that New York State’s “climate superfund” law is preempted by federal law. Relying on the 2nd Circuit opinion from 2021 in City of New York
American College of Environmental Lawyers - ACOEL
The American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL) is a professional organization that publishes insightful blogs focused on environmental law and policy. Its content typically covers significant legal developments, regulatory changes, and judicial decisions affecting environmental regulation in the United States. The organization provides expert analysis on topics such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act jurisdiction, climate change litigation, and federal regulatory processes. ACOEL's publications often explore the implications of court rulings, administrative actions, and legislative proposals on environmental law practice and policy. The organization serves as a resource for legal professionals, policymakers, and scholars interested in environmental legal issues and regulatory trends.
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Bombs on the Beach: Dept. of the Air Force v. Prutehi Guahan
It’s a big week for environmental law at the U.S. Supreme Court, with Suncor Energy v. Boulder County argued on the First Monday in October 2026, followed by Dept. of the Air Force v. Prutehi Guahan to be argued on…
The People’s Parks
When I see a National Park entrance sign my shoulders soften, my breathing slows, and a wave of happiness flows through me. These places and spaces are under attack and it’s making me angry. Construction of a border wall in…
ACOEL Announces Newly Elected 2026-27 Officers and Regents
ACOEL welcomes the class of 2026 to the College with the election of 19 new fellows, each a prominent environmental practitioner in private practice, academia, a not-for-profit organization, or the government.
The post ACOEL Announces Newly Elected 2026-27 Officers and…
Climate at the Supreme Court: Suncor v. Boulder
During the spring 2026 semester, I taught Climate Change Law and Policy at the Indiana University McKinney School of Law. The last time I taught the class was in 2021 before I joined the Biden Administration. Boy, how times have…
EPA Still Has Authority to Regulate in the Face of Uncertainty
Last week, in Chamber of Commerce v. EPA, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected challenges to EPA’s decision to list PFOA and PFOS, the two most prominent PFAS compounds, as hazardous substances under CERCLA. It’s an important decision, and not just…
What do Data Centers and Trout Have in Common? (Hint – not a lot other than their need for water…)
As some of you know, I am an avid fly fisherperson. My favorite fish to target is trout (catch and release of course). I’m also a board member of our local Trout Unlimited Chapter. Trout Unlimited (or TU) is the…
DOI Finalizes Dramatic Improvements to the Natural Resource Damages Regulations
On July 13, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) released its final rule promulgating dramatic—and much needed—revisions to its regulations for natural resource damage (NRD) assessments. The finalized rule allows natural resource trustees (e.g. federal, state and tribal…
Will Oklahoma Ever Settle Its Chickensh*t Lawsuit?
Twenty-one years ago, Oklahoma sued six of the major national poultry companies. (For context, the first iPhone was still in development at the time the complaint was filed.) Oklahoma alleged that poultry litter generated and land applied by the companies’…
A Tale of Two Global Environmental Credit Treaties?
The readers of this blog probably have at least heard of these terms: CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation), by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the “Net Zero Framework” by the International Maritime Association (IMO). In…