On September 21, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of seven data center-focused bills into law that introduce new energy and water use reporting requirements, modify environmental review requirements, and direct regulators to address electricity infrastructure, interconnection, and
Inside Energy & Environment
Developments in law and policy of energy, commodities and environment
Inside Energy & Environment, published by Covington & Burling LLP, focuses on legal and regulatory developments related to energy and environmental issues. The blog covers topics such as climate change regulations, sustainability reporting, environmental compliance, green claims and marketing, deforestation regulations, and corporate sustainability due diligence. It addresses both U.S. and international regulatory frameworks, including EU directives and California state laws. The blog provides updates on legislative changes, enforcement guidance, and practical implications for businesses operating in sectors affected by environmental and energy policies.
Latest from Inside Energy & Environment
The Electric Grid’s ICTS Moment? New National Security Executive Order Targets Foreign-Sourced Energy Equipment
On August 26, 2026, President Trump issued Executive Order 14421, Declaring a National Emergency to Secure the United States Bulk-Power System. The Order establishes a new national security regulatory framework for a broad range of equipment, software, services, and…
California Court Issues a Preliminary Injunction Stopping Enforcement of SB 343, “Truth in Recycling”
On July 14, 2026, U.S. District Judge William Q. Hayes granted a motion for preliminary injunction barring California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the State of California from enforcing SB 343, California’s “Truth in Recycling” law, while the litigation…
Commission Adopts Measures to Shape Implementation of EU Deforestation Regulation Ahead of December 2026 Application
On July 13, 2026, the European Commission (“Commission”) adopted two new Regulations that will shape the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1115, “EUDR”). The EUDR will start applying to large and medium-sized operators and traders…
European Commission Seeks Public Input on CSDDD Guidelines: What to Watch
On June 12, 2026, the European Commission (“Commission”) launched its public consultation on guidelines (“Guidelines”) that will significantly shape the implementation of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (“CSDDD;” more details about the CSDDD available here). The consultation,…
European Commission Publishes “ESRS 2.0” for Public Consultation: Draft Closely Follows EFRAG’s Technical Advice with Additional Simplifications for Companies
The European Commission (“Commission”) has launched a four-week feedback period — open until June 3, 2026 — on a draft delegated act to revise the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (“ESRS 2.0”). Ultimately, EU companies in scope of the EU’s Corporate…
EPA Begins Process to Regulate Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water
In April 2026, EPA released a proposal that, if finalized, would begin the process to potentially regulate the presence of pharmaceuticals in drinking water, by designating them as “Candidate Contaminants.” This proposal is likely to be of significant interest to…
Industry Coalition Challenges California’s Truth in Recycling Law SB 343 on Constitutional Grounds
A coalition of 21 trade associations and commodity groups has filed a complaint seeking to enjoin enforcement of portions of California’s SB 343, also known as the “Truth in Recycling” law, which sets restrictions on how manufacturers and sellers can…
Key Takeaways from the California Air Resources Board’s Public Workshop on the California Corporate Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program
On March 23, 2026, the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) held a public, “pre-rulemaking” workshop to introduce regulatory approaches for reporting greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions under the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (“SB 253”). SB 253 requires U.S.-based entities with…
Movement in the UK on Sustainability Reporting
The UK is moving forward with its ambition to become a “world leader for sustainable finance” with two connected projects designed to increase the availability of “high‑quality, decision‑useful” sustainability‑related information for investors and other users of financial statements and sustainability…