Environment & Energy Trending Topics

To help with your writing efforts, here’s what people are looking for in Environmental & Energy Law online. Trending topics culled from JD Supra, search analytics, social media conversations, and other sources:

California EPR Law Takes Heat From Opposing Sides 

Consider writing about:

California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54); where this measure stands now; what it aims to accomplish; nature of opposing legal challenges to SB 54; how those challenges are progressing; why this California law seems to have become such a lightning rod for opposition; how other states’ extended producer responsibility (EPR) measures are faring, and how they compare to each other; whether EPR measures are multiplying; key compliance challenges, liability risks, or best practices for companies impacted by EPR measures.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Obligations: What to Know 

Consider writing about:

California’s Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (SB 253); whom this landmark law on greenhouse gas emissions mainly affects; related disclosure obligations on the part of covered companies; revised reporting deadline; any other recent changes of note to the Act; compliance priorities for companies impacted by the Act; and perhaps a related look at how other states are handling the issue of greenhouse gas reporting, and how those laws or proposals compare to California’s.

Newly Released Report Points to Idle Transmission Tower as Source of 2025 Wildfire 

Consider writing about:

Findings released on Aug. 4 by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and Los Angeles County Fire Department regarding the origin of a massive wildfire that started in Los Angeles County in January of last year; what the report says about an out-of-service Southern California Edison tower; how this finding stands to affect determination of liability and related damage awards associated with the wildfire; more broadly speaking, what interested parties should know about maintenance and safety obligations on the part of utilities or other entities as regards idle or out-of-service energy infrastructure or related equipment.

Related information:

https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/edison-tower-caused-deadly-eaton-fire-devastated-22373930.php

https://apnews.com/article/california-eaton-wildfire-edison-equipment-34a688a6c362eb59bde3d68e2da66912

Implications of U.S. Supreme Court’s Ruling in Monsanto v. Durnell 

Consider writing about:

The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Monsanto Co. v. Durnell; what the ruling means for Monsanto’s labeling requirements, the company’s duty to warn, and its potential liability over the Roundup weedkiller; what the high court’s decision illustrates regarding the reach of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; the ruling’s additional implications for other manufacturers, for states’ authority and powers, and for consumer protections; best practices for companies facing failure-to-warn allegations.

Related information:

https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1068_n7ip.pdf

Court Rules Against EPA in Clean Air Act Case 

Consider writing about:

A California federal judge’s July 17 ruling involving the Clean Air Act; key points in the lawsuit and the ruling; what to know about the Clean Air Act’s history and the Environmental Protection Agency’s treatment of the Act, whether over the decades or, more recently, under the Biden and Trump administrations; where the Clean Air Act, its enforcement, industry compliance obligations, and industry liability risks stand in the wake of U.S. District Judge Haywood Gilliam Jr.’s ruling.

Midyear Status Report on Energy, Environmental Issues: Tell Us Your Thoughts 

Consider writing about:

Energy- or environment-related trends or other developments at the midyear point of 2026. What stands out to you from the first half of this year, and why? What are the most significant implications for the business community? Consider whether to go wide-angle in your selection process, or whether to focus on a specific issue, region, industry, or other entity category.

Nuclear Energy Trends Worth Noting 

Consider writing about:

Nuclear energy trends, whether in a specific country or region or globally; how legislators, regulators, and key decisionmakers regard nuclear energy these days; whether nuclear energy is having a rebirth of sorts, and, if so, why; how contemporary nuclear energy development and planning of today compare to the trends of prior decades; financial incentives or other lures that states are using to attract the nuclear energy industry; environmental claims being brought in opposition to nuclear power plants; other potential obstacles that the nuclear energy industry should be aware of.

$450M Settlement Reached Over PFAS Impacts in Three States 

Consider writing about:

A $450 million multistate settlement announced last month involving Chemours facilities that use or produce PFAS (commonly known as “forever chemicals”); how this settlement represents a first; key terms of the consent decree in this case; what this case may indicate regarding the Trump administration’s stance on “forever chemicals;” any other recent federal or state PFAS-related enforcement actions that businesses should know about; where the most significant PFAS-related risks exist these days for businesses.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/chemours-agrees-450m-landmark-settlement-agreement-releases-pfas-forever-chemicals-west

https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-obtains-over-450-million-penalties-and-relief-agreement-chemours-settle-claims

Multiple Retailers Sued Over Use of Algorithmic Pricing Tool’s Impact on Gas Prices 

Consider writing about:

California residents’ lawsuit against multiple retailers over their alleged use of an AI-powered algorithm to drive up gas prices; what to know about algorithmic pricing systems; why the use of this type of system has given rise to antitrust allegations in various contexts; how algorithm-related antitrust cases are faring in the courts; any additional pressures of note (from legislators or regulators) regarding algorithmic pricing.

Related information:

https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/ai/articles/7-eleven-circle-k-named-100000633.html

How FERC Is Addressing Record-Setting Growth in Data Center Development 

Consider writing about:

Actions taken by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission involving data centers; FERC’s role and authority over data centers and associated energy issues; jurisdictional issues worth noting; relevant FERC rules or other significant recent actions by the commission regarding data centers; related requirements or other challenges facing energy providers as they pertain to the explosion of planned or completed data center projects.

Related information:

https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/data-centers-faster-path-power-160300174.html

Trump Termination of Environmental Justice Grant Program Found to Be Unlawful 

Consider writing about:

A federal judge’s recent finding that a decision by the Trump administration to terminate an environmental justice grant program was “arbitrary and capricious and unlawful;” what the ruling means for the current status and potential future of that grant program; whether other environmental justice projects have been delayed or extinguished as a result of actions by the second Trump administration; status of any other pending lawsuits over the administration’s treatment of such projects; any potential for alternative financing sources for these types of projects.

Related information:

https://www.postandcourier.com/rising-waters/epa-grant-termination-sustainability-institute/article_69940de2-863d-4027-9e02-6eba395bf24f.html

Is Interest in Geothermal Energy Heating Up? 

Consider writing about:

Trends (in the jurisdiction of your choice) involving geothermal energy; noteworthy developments involving any of the following points: government funding, legislative activity, private financing, research and innovation, or project launch; how geothermal activity is trending in terms of adoption and scaling, whether in and of itself, or in comparison to other green forms of energy production; developments driving its uptake; predictions for the geothermal energy sector for the near and long term.

Should Fossil Fuel Companies Give the Arctic the Cold Shoulder? 

Consider writing about:

Trends involving the energy industry and Alaska’s Arctic region; current, historical, or projected energy operations in that area; Trump administration efforts to promote drilling in the Arctic; key obstacles that could discourage companies from renewing or embarking on energy explorations in that area; related questions regarding whether the Trump administration is out of touch with industry challenges or preferences.

Related information:

https://www.newsminer.com/news/wire/limited-interest-in-latest-oil-and-gas-lease-sale-for-alaskas-arctic-national-wildlife-refuge/article_120793fe-de9f-4ba8-9776-30ea7d87471a.html

https://www.adn.com/business-economy/energy/2026/06/05/oil-companies-continue-to-show-little-interest-in-arctic-refuge-drilling

Wildfire Risks and Liabilities for Utility Companies 

Consider writing about:

Recent or otherwise noteworthy developments involving utility companies’ potential liability for damage to local communities caused by large wildfires; outcomes of settled lawsuits; any emerging or heightened trends seen across such cases; how utilities’ wildfire-related liability risks may differ from one jurisdiction to another; how utilities can best prepare for wildfire risks and related liability on their part; what other private or public decisionmakers are doing about the perhaps increasing risk of large wildfires; what responsibility property owners themselves may bear for preventing the spread of wildfires, and whether that role is evolving, either as a matter of more widespread personal preferences and appetite for risk, or as a result of outright mandates by local governments.

Coal Gets Another Big Boost From Trump Administration 

Consider writing about:

Plans recently announced by the Trump administration aimed at boosting coal plant production; what to know about a recent Energy Department announcement and other administration initiatives involving the use of coal as an energy source; potential for legal challenges to these plans; rationale for the Trump administration’s continuing emphasis on coal, and how this administration’s focus on coal compares to the energy policies of other governments (whether on the local or international scene).

Related information:

https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-invest-350-million-build-modernize-and-restart-coal-plants

https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5910696-trump-coal-power-dpa

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/doe-announces-850m-modernize-coal-capacity-build-new-plants/822109

Which Way is the Wind Blowing for Climate Risk Disclosures? 

Consider writing about:

Requirements involving businesses’ disclosure of climate-related risks; the status of any lawsuits challenging those disclosure requirements; where these types of requirements are stalling in the courts, or being deliberately abandoned or rolled back by decision-making entities; where disclosure requirements are either persisting or emerging; how companies doing business in multiple jurisdictions can best manage a variety of risk disclosure mandates.

BP Chairman Ousted Amid Reported Concerns Over Governance, Conduct 

Consider writing about:

Oil giant BP’s ouster of its chairman over factors involving “important governance standards, oversight and conduct;” what to know about significant internal and external changes impacting BP over recent months; what a board’s duties are as regards company leadership; steps to consider when compelling a leadership change; how to minimize fallout from such a move.

Related information:

https://apnews.com/article/bp-manifold-chairman-a0cf407215f1eb1f7b6051ddb298d94c

Vermont Notches a First With Ban on Paraquat Over Health Concerns 

Consider writing about:

Vermont’s groundbreaking ban on the pesticide paraquat; reasons for the state ban; when the ban will be phased in; whom the ban mainly affects; how it will be implemented and enforced; whether other states are considering similar bans or restrictions; and perhaps a look at any noteworthy litigation involving alleged health impacts of exposure to paraquat or similar products.

Related information:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/26/vermont-paraquat-weedkiller-ban

Energy, Environmental Concerns for Tribal Communities Under Second Trump Administration 

Consider writing about:

How environmental or energy-related legal disputes involving tribal communities are evolving under the second Trump administration; government agency actions, lawsuits, court actions, or other developments of note; recurring sources of conflict, novel arguments, or emerging issues that tribal communities, the energy industry, or other interested parties should know about; how the outcomes compare to those seen under the first Trump administration.

EPA Adds Microplastics and Pharmaceuticals to Proposed Drinking Water Contaminants List 

Consider writing about:

The Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to include microplastics and pharmaceuticals for the first time on a draft of a periodically updated list of contaminants mandated under the Safe Drinking Water Act; what to know about the Act’s history and mandate; what items’ inclusion on the contaminants list could mean for related industries and their obligations; current status of the latest draft list; process for revising, approving, implementing, and enforcing the contaminants list.

Related information:

https://www.npr.org/2026/04/02/nx-s1-5771155/epa-microplastics-pharmaceuticals-drinking-water

What Does the Future Hold for Hydraulic Fracturing in Mexico? 

Consider writing about:

Potential changes on the horizon for the use of hydraulic fracturing in Mexico; what the current state of fracking activity is in Mexico, and how it has trended over the years; what to know about Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s recently announced proposal to expand fracking and how the shift would fit with the Mexican government’s overall energy policy; factors driving the shift in policy; environmental concerns that are being raised (or have been raised in the past) regarding fracking’s impacts, whether in Mexico, or in Latin America as a whole, or globally; how hydraulic fracturing is regulated in Mexico; what else private companies should know about hydraulic fracturing’s likely future in Mexico, and related business opportunities or other considerations.

Related information:

https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/mexicos-sheinbaum-backtracks-fracking-opposition-says-new-methods-are-cleaner-2026-04-09

Maryland Justices Dismiss Climate Change Suits Against Fossil Fuel Companies 

Consider writing about:

A recent Maryland Supreme Court ruling in three localities’ climate change lawsuits against fossil fuel companies; key claims in the lawsuits; basis for the justices’ dismissal of the lawsuits; potential prospects for a new round of litigation against the companies; how other jurisdictions’ climate change lawsuits against energy companies are performing.

What Are the Facts About California ‘Truth in Recycling’ Law? 

Consider writing about:

A California measure known as the Truth in Recycling or Truth in Labeling law; what to know about the law’s origins, key objectives, and effective date; compliance obligations and potential violation penalties under the Truth in Recycling law that businesses should be paying attention to; how the California law compares to other states’ recycling-related labeling laws; potential grounds for legal challenges to these types of laws.

EU Sustainability Developments Companies Should Be Heeding 

Consider writing about:

European Union developments involving corporate sustainability; key legislation or proposals to know about; related amendments that have recently come into effect; how corporate obligations may be changing as a result of the amendments; what else comopanies should know about their reporting requirements and other key sustainability compliance duties under EU laws.

‘God Squad’ Grants Exemptions Under Endangered Species Act: What to Know 

Consider writing about:

A recent vote by members of the so-called “God Squad” to exempt oil and gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico from certain environmental restrictions; what to know about the God Squad and its history, role, and powers; related steps involved in implementing a given vote by this body; applicable restrictions in this instance involving the Endangered Species Act; basis for granting the ESA-related exemption; how rare it is for exemptions to be implemented under this Act; related trends involving the Endangered Species Act under the two Trump administrations.

Related information:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cre19zrg5dxo

PFAS, PFAS, and More PFAS 

Consider writing about:

The latest significant developments involving PFAS, whether congressional legislation, labeling requirements, RICO lawsuits, or other actions or trends of note. The PFAS landscape seems to be roiling with an ever-increasing number of new developments that the business community should know about. What are the primary liability risk areas right now, or the emerging risks (whether generally speaking for the business community, or pertaining to a certain industry, product, practice, or region)? How can companies best defend themselves in this environment?

Trump Administration Ordered to Restore $14M in Grants to Environmental Groups 

Consider writing about:

An Oregon federal judge’s ruling in a dispute over the U.S. Department of the Interior’s cancellation of $14 million in grants to be used for conservation work; the Interior Department’s rationale for canceling the grants; key points in Chief Judge Michael McShane’s ruling; whether similar lawsuits over the cancellation of other environment-related grants have been settled, or are still working their way through the courts.

Takeaways From Coal Company VP’s Conviction in FCPA Case 

Consider writing about:

The conviction of a former coal company vice president in a foreign bribery scheme; what stands out to you about this case; any related trends involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the energy sector, or involving FCPA-related risks on the part of U.S. companies doing business in or with Egypt; what to know about Egypt’s ties to the U.S. energy sector.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/former-coal-company-executive-convicted-international-bribery-and-money-laundering-scheme

Will Consumer Lawsuit Sink Target Corp.’s ‘Sustainably Caught’ Tuna Claims? 

Consider writing about:

A proposed class action filed in California federal court this month against Target Corp. over “sustainably caught” claims that the retailer makes about its Good & Gather tuna products; what this case may demonstrate regarding best practices or potential perils in marketing products as being “sustainable;” what qualifies a product to be described as such; potential alternative phrasings to consider; related business or legal trends involving companies’ environmental claims, and how best to navigate possibly choppy waters.