Environmental Law Toolkit Webinar: Common Law Tools for Protecting the Environment

The Environmental Law Toolkit Webinar Series presents Richard Lindgren of CELA on Common Law Tools for Protecting the Environment. This webinar will take place online on Tuesday July 30, 2019 at 1:00pm EDT. For those who cannot make it a recording of the webinar will be made available to all those who register (available until September 30, 2019).

Landmark Court Decisions Acknowledge Citizen Rights to a Healthy Climate (Video)

Ordinary citizens including children are using the courts to force governments to act on climate change. A number of lawsuits and some early judgements suggests that the courts may be able to spur significant climate action.

In August a group of 21 children, supported by renowned climate scientist James Hansen, filed a landmark constitutional climate change lawsuit against the federal government.

Quebec Government Sues MM&A for Oil Train Disaster in Lac-Mégantic

The Lac-Mégantic crude oil train disaster is not only tragic for the 47 people who lost their lives, it is a costly environmental calamity that decimated a significant part of the small town. The government of Quebec is the latest to add its name to those seeking compensation from the now insolvent Montreal, Maine & Atlantic (MM&A) railroad company. MM&A along with 3 employees are also facing criminal charges in the case.

On Monday June 16 the government said it is seeking $409 million from the MM&A for expenses associated with the tragedy. According to June 13 claim by Quebec's justice ministry the province has already spent $126 million in public funds. They expect to spend an additional $283 million. Justice is seeking compensation so that Quebec taxpayers are not left to foot the bill.

US Supreme Court Ruling Makes it Easier to Buy Election Outcomes

A recent ruling by the Republican-appointed majority on the US Supreme Court has freed uber-wealthy to flex their financial muscles so that they can buy electoral outcomes. The ruling on the McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission case upholds the $2,600 limit per candidate, however, limitations on the number of candidates that can be given money has been lifted. This means that those with the financial means can now interfere with the democratic process.

US Senators Climate Change Slumber Party

On the night of March 10 into the morning of March 11, Democratic and Independent US Senators pulled an all-nighter to discuss climate change. A total of 28 Senators spoke all night to urge action on climate change.

Democrats May Have Renewed Interest in Tackling Climate Change

We may be seeing renewed interest in climate change advocacy from Democrats. While Republicans have made their contempt for climate change legislation known, many Democrats are also guilty of dereliction of duty on the subject of climate change. Four years ago there were not enough votes in the Democrat controlled Senate to move forward with climate change legislation.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid recently told reporters that, "Climate change is the worst problem facing the world today." This is a reiteration of comments he made last June, when he said in a speech on the Senate floor that "we have no more important issue in the world than this issue, period."

Event - Making Waves: The Second Annual Canadian Association of Environmental Law Societies (CAELS) Conference

The Environmental Law Conference will take place on February 21 - 22, 2014 at the University of Ottawa’s new Faculty of Social Sciences building in Ottawa, Ontario. The Canadian Association of Environmental Law Societies (CAELS) is an exciting new networking project connecting environmental law students across the country.

The second annual CAELS conference will focusing on Canadian environmental law issues. The conference will bring together law students, academics, and practitioners from around the country to learn and network. This student-run conference will feature keynote addresses from Gord Miller (Environmental Commissioner of Ontario) and Maude Barlow (Council of Canadians). In addition, the conference will have multidisciplinary panels of speakers featuring graduate students, practitioners, and academics.

The Environmental Implications of the US Omnibus Spending Bill

A new spending bill may have bipartisan support but it has both good and bad implications for the environment. On Monday January 12, 2013, the House and Senate appropriations committee chairs announced that they had agreed on an omnibus appropriations bill (FY14). The bilateral agreement put together by House Appropriations Chair Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) and Senate Appropriations Chair Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) allocates $1.012 trillion in federal spending.

Event - Risky Business: Empowering People with Environmental Information

This event will take place on November 27, 2013, 08:30 - 16:40 at the Institution of Civil Engineers, One Great George Street, London, UK. Risky Business: Empowering People with Environmental Information brings you the most up-to-date information on legislation and regulation that affects environmental due diligence.

Expert speakers from all areas of the field will provide an insight into the current landscape and recent developments within the industry whilst providing practical guidance to ensure you are doing all you can to help your clients and yourself.

Risky Business provides a forum for delegates to question key industry decision makers on recent hot topics affecting the industry and network with colleagues from other environmental and property businesses.

Free Lecture - Plastic Bag Pollution and Legislation

This free Lecture on Plastic Bag Pollution and Legislation will take place on November 10, 2013 (3 pm) at the River Vale Community Center, 628 River Vale Road, River Vale, NJ The non-profit Pascack Sustainability Group invites members of the community to join a free talk and discussion about single use disposable bags and a proposed bill in the New Jersey legislature to curb plastic bag pollution.

Guest speaker Noemi de La Puente, leader of the NJ Bag Coalition will present, “What’s the Bag Deal? A Discussion about Plastic Bag Pollution and Solutions.” Offering perspectives from the "trenches" of a coalition building grass roots support, Noemi will explain: What is going on in NJ with a possible five cent fee on all plastic and paper shopping bags in the state? What are the bills before the Senate and Assembly, and how far have they gotten? What can you do personally to help spread the word and "be the change"?

Supreme Court to Review EPA's Right to Limit GHGs

The United States Supreme Court has indicated that it may limit the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. On Tuesday, October 22, 2013, the US Supreme Court indicated that it would hear arguments against the EPA's right to regulate GHGs under the Clean Air Act (CAA).

This is in response to six separate petitions for ‎certiorari (a writ or order by which a higher court reviews a case tried in a lower court). The litigation is titled Coalition for Responsible ‎Regulation, Inc. et al., v. Environmental Protection Agency (D.C. Cir. Index No. 09-1322). Those who filed the petitions are putting the interests of the old energy economy ahead of efforts to combat climate change. They include the State of Texas, the US Chamber of Commerce, and predictably industry associations ‎of energy producers and users.‎

Event - Regulating Climate Change: The Supreme Court, Clean Air Act and EPA's Upcoming Greenhouse Gas Rules

Regulating Climate Change: The Supreme Court, Clean Air Act and EPA's Upcoming Greenhouse Gas Rules October 30, 2013 12 p.m. -1:15pm Faculty Club, D’Agostino Hall New York University School of Law 108 W 3rd St, New York, NY Registration is free, but required: RSVP.

Breaking News: Injunction Lifted on Fracking Protests in New Brunswick

On Monday, October 21, a judge in Moncton, New Brunswick, lifted an injunction that prevented the people of the Elsipogtog First Nation from protesting against shale gas exploration in the province. The protesters want SWN Resources to stop seismic testing and leave. In a written statement, the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs called for the provincial government to suspend the permits granted to SWN Resources.

On October 17, in response to a court injunction, the RCMP cleared the protest roadblocks on Route 134 by force. Six police vehicles were burned and police fired beanbag type bullets and doused protestors with pepper spray. Many have criticized the police for causing the protest to spiral out of control.

Training Seminar - NJDEP Air Compliance & Enforcement (ACE)

NJDEP Air Compliance & Enforcement (ACE) Training/Outreach Seminar will take place on October 9, 2013, 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Jersey Forensic Science Technology Center, 1200 Negron Drive, Hamilton, NJ. This training will provide information on multiple air pollution topics. The event will begin with a brief update on current efforts within our Air program, followed by an update on the new General Permits. The event will continue with an overview of the Non-Technical Amendment, and how one goes about completing and submitting the form. Do the terms NOV, AONOCAPA, ACO have you confused? We will also provide an overview of all Enforcement Documents.

Top Ranked Masters Degree in Environmental Law from the Vermont Law School

Vermont Law School is offering an Masters in Environmental Law. Understanding environmental legislation, enforcement and law-making is imperative. This degree is ideal for those who are seeking to make an organization more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. Through this degree you can learn the skills that improve efficiency and ensure environmental, human, and employee health in your organization. The degree opens the doors to careers in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and private industry.

Event - Standards Benefiting Indian Businesses

Standards Benefiting Indian Businesses is an event by the International Standards Certifications (ISC). This event will take place on Thursday, 24 October 2013 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (IST) in New Delhi, India.

With the rapid expansion of India’s SME sector, an expansion of India’s certification programs (including all structural changes across ISO 2700, ISO 27001, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001) will present enormous challenges and opportunities for both the Indian Government and Indian businesses alike.

Course - Environmental Law & Practice

Environmental Law &  Practice will take place on September, 20, 2013 at De Montfort University. This distance learning opportunity increases your skills and furthers your career without interrupting your employment. The course can be tailored to your specific needs, job role and industry by choosing your own unique combination of modules. Suitable for both lawyers and non-legal professionals alike.

DOE to Revise Commercial Energy Efficiency Standards

The Department of Energy (DOE) will revise commercial energy efficiency standards for metal halide lamps, commercial refrigeration equipment, walk-in coolers/freezers and electric motors in 2014. This move is expected to lower pollution and save $3.8 billion by 2035.

The specific timetables are as follows:

• Metal halide lamps - January 2014
• Commercial refrigeration - February 2014
• Walk-in coolers and freezers - April 2014
• Electric motors - May 2014

Video - Advanced Energy Legislation (AEL) Tracker

Created by Colorado State University's energy policy center, Center for the New Energy Economy, the Advanced Energy Legislation TRACKER database contains information for clean energy legislation across all 50 states for free to any user. The TRACKER database provides current legislative language, recent actions, bill sponsor information, and policy trend analyses.

For more information about the Advanced Energy Legislation Tracker click here.

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New Tool Tracks State Energy Legislation Across the US

Event - 2013 Annual National Environmental, Energy And Resources Law Summit

The 2013 Annual National Environmental, Energy And Resources Law Summit will take place on Thursday Jun 20 to Fri Jun 21, in Yellowknife, NT. at The Explorer Hotel, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. This summit is set against the backdrop of Canada’s arctic region. This engaging program is designed to provide private practitioners, in-house corporate and government counsel, regulators, and other professionals with an annual update on the hottest issues in the environmental, energy and resources law field.