In this issue of "Legally Speaking" — A podcast episode exploring how the environment and the economy are one and the same. AG litigation on hazardous waste, aluminum smelters, and wind projects. The...

Special sensors, such as one off the coast of Cape Hatteras, NC, are currently collecting data to inform coastal weather predictions, flood risk, and fisheries information. As part of the National Sci...

The Supreme Court just finished up another blockbuster term, with several decisions related to environmental protection and agency authority. Among the key cases were decisions limiting the ability of...

With rising summer temperatures comes rising demand for electricity—and rising electric bills. A new study from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association predicted cooling costs this summer...

As a growing number of states consider permitting laws that account for cumulative impacts in environmentally overburdened communities, a recent court decision upheld one state’s approach. In early 20...

The Supreme Court is considering a case that could extend its landmark finding in SEC v. Jarkesy, which held that the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) adjudication process for securities fra...

In a remarkably short time, artificial intelligence (AI) has become widely adopted and is affecting people's lives in meaningful ways. This is happening visibly, as millions of people intentionally en...

Rapidly rising electricity demand—driven largely although not exclusively by large new electricity customers like data centers—risks slowing progress toward state and local clean energy goals. These n...

Spring is in the air and the sun is coming out again, which may have you thinking about solar power and renewable energy! A lot has been happening in the renewables space, with states working to ensur...

President Trump’s Executive Order entitled “Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking” had several provisions designed to expand grant termination powers for federal agencies. Implementation of this ...

Last year, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) began using Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act with unprecedented frequency to extend the life of fossil-fuel-fired power plants beyond their planne...

The State Impact Center is cosponsoring the NYU Law Environmental Law Journal’s 2026 Annual Symposium, which will examine the intersection of animal law and emerging technologies.

We spoke to Kent Chandler, who is currently a resident senior fellow in energy and environmental policy at the R Street Institute and was formerly Executive Director, and later Chair, of the Kentucky ...

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court heard oral argument in a case that could have consequences for State AG enforcement actions in a variety of contexts. The case is Chevron USA Inc. v. Plaquemines ...

Take a look back at 2025 at the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center.

We recap what we’ve learned on the podcast in 2025, highlighting key insights from each of our guests, ranging from a state attorney general, state utility commissioners, and communications experts. A...

In August this year, an explosion at a large lubricant oil manufacturing and storage facility in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, caused a fire that burned for more than two weeks. Soot from burning tank...

We spoke to Carolyn Conant from the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Together with our staff attorney, Madeline Collins, Carolyn discussed the basics of energy efficiency and its intersection with affordability and grid reliability.

Learn about how Families for Lead Freedom Now, a Syracuse, New York-based community organization and the New York Attorney General’s Office worked together to protect children and families from lead p...

We spoke to Carolyn Conant from the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Together with our staff attorney, Madeline Collins, Carolyn discussed the basics of energy efficiency and ...

We talk to Commissioner Colin Yost of the  Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission. ​​Together with our legal staff member, Lauren McCrea, ​Commissioner Yost​​​ ​​talks about ​​his agency’s work​​ to prot...

Governors across the country are highlighting both the challenges and opportunities facing the electric transmission grid. Recently, the governors of Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota each expre...

States traditionally play a lead role in protecting clean water, so whenever there is a federally permitted project that could threaten water quality, Section 401 of the Clean Water Act gives states a...

In this issue of "Legally Speaking" — Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown talks about his work to keep our air clean and help people stay healthy on our Recharged podcast. A new study quantif...

We talk to Washington Attorney General Nick Brown on his career path, his priorities as a recently-elected state AG, and how his office approaches environmental law with a focus on public health, safe...

We talk to Washington Attorney General Nick Brown on his career path, his priorities as a recently-elected state AG, and how his office approaches environmental law with a focus on public health, safe...

In this issue of "Legally Speaking" — We highlight what recent Supreme Court rulings mean for the environmental law landscape. AGs send comment letters on public lands and environmental planning. New ...