Regulations Listing: Environmental Sustainability

REGULATORY RADAR - The European Union (EU), Norway, and Iceland have agreed jointly to work together to meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement by incorporating two pieces of existing EU climate legislation into the European Economic Area Agreement, which governs free trade between the nations.

REGULATORY RADAR - The Trump administration has begun the formal process of withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement with notification of the withdrawal sent to the United Nations on November 4, 2019.

REGULATORY RADAR - Germany’s lower house of Parliament has approved a new climate protections package that intends to help Germany reach its 2030 targets for reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

REGULATORY RADAR - On January 6, 2020, the New Jersey Assembly’s Environment and Solid Waste and Appropriations Committees voted to pass legislation that establishes goals, initiatives, and programs to encourage and support use of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs).

REGULATORY RADAR - On January 6, 2020, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed an Advance Notice of Proposed Rule with the intention of enacting a rulemaking effort known as the Cleaner Trucks Initiative.

REGULATORY RADAR - On January 1, 2020, a global regulation set by the International Maritime Organization (a United Nations agency responsible for ensuring safe and efficient shipping on clean oceans) came into effect, and will substantially reduce harmful sulfur oxide emissions from ships.

REGULATORY RADAR - Denmark has adopted its first ever climate bill. In December 2019, the Danish Parliament approved a target of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 70% by 2030, in comparison with 1990 levels.

REGULATORY RADAR - France has passed new rules prohibiting luxury goods companies from destroying returned items and unsold goods.

REGULATORY RADAR - In January 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of the Army finalized a new rule that changes the definitions of federally regulated waters under the Clean Water Act.

REGULATORY RADAR - On January 27, 2020, New Jersey Gov. Philip D. Murphy announced that builders will be required to account for the impact of climate change, including rising sea levels, to receive government approvals for projects.

REGULATORY RADAR - New York City has passed a new Energy Conservation Code intended to improve energy efficiency standards as part of the city’s larger effort to curb climate change.

REGULATORY RADAR - The Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) has temporarily relaxed environmental rules and enforcement in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.