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HBC BLOG
Stay informed on the latest developments in environmental law, from policy changes and regulatory updates to sustainability initiatives. Our blog provides expert insights, analysis, and practical guidance to help you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of environmental regulations. Check back regularly for in-depth articles, breaking news, and thought-provoking discussions on the issues that matter most.


A new beginning for “begin actual construction”?
On September 2, 2025, Aaron Szabo, Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, issued a letter responding to a request for guidance on...
Sep 164 min read


Court Adheres to Broad Meaning of “Operator” in NSR Enforcement
On August 25, 2025, the Eastern District of Michigan held, in United States v. EES Coke Battery, LLC (E.D. Mich. Case No. 22-11191), that...
Sep 98 min read


Fifth Circuit rejects prior permit necessarily determines BACT
On August 12, 2025, the Fifth Circuit, after receiving back the Texas Supreme Court’s response to its certified question in Port Arthur...
Aug 254 min read
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Arizona Expands PFAS Strategy with $5M in New Funding
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has launched a major expansion of its statewide PFAS investigation and mitigation...
jmaiden
Jun 122 min read


EPA Set to Roll Back Power Plant Emissions Rules, Signaling Major Shift in Air Policy
On June 6, the White House Office of Management and Budget completed its interagency review of two major EPA rule proposals. This clears...
jmaiden
Jun 122 min read


EPA Announces Short Window for Clean Air Exemptions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invited companies to request exemptions from several Biden-era air pollution regulations under...
jmaiden
May 221 min read


SEC Discontinues Defenses of Biden-Era Climate Disclosures
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has voted to stop defending its climate-related disclosure rules in court. These rules,...
jmaiden
May 222 min read


Agencies Narrow Scope of WOTUS Definition Following Sackett
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Sackett v. EPA (2023), the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) narrowed the...
jmaiden
May 221 min read


Administrator Zeldin's PFAS Strategy
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled a comprehensive plan to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)...
jmaiden
May 222 min read


Demonstrating Secondary SO2 NAAQS in PSD
On December 10, 2024, Peter Tsirigotis, Director, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, released guidance entitled "Alternative...
jmaiden
May 223 min read


Zeldin Pushes Massive Deregulation at the EPA
Last week, EPA unveiled its sweeping deregulatory agenda targeting 31 environmental rules established under previous administrations in...
jmaiden
Mar 202 min read


EPA Loses Supreme Court Battle Over San Francisco Wastewater Pollution Limits
The U.S. Supreme Court has issued a 5-4 ruling that significantly limits the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority under the...
jmaiden
Mar 202 min read


Congressional Republicans Use CRA to Target Biden-Era Environmental Regulations
Congressional Republicans are moving quickly to dismantle key environmental and energy regulations implemented during the Biden...
jmaiden
Mar 202 min read


The Closure of OEJECR: A Shift in Environmental Oversight and Policy
As of February 6th, approximately 170 staff members of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Justice and External...
jmaiden
Mar 202 min read


Zeldin Unveils EPA’s 100 Day Plan
On February 4th, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin unveiled the EPA’s strategic priorities for the...
jmaiden
Mar 192 min read


Biden Administration Retrospective, By Eric L. Hiser
NSR Law Blog's principal author Eric Hiser recently wrote a retrospective on the Biden Administration EPA's NSR program initiatives for...
jmaiden
Jan 281 min read


EPA and DOJ Reach $9.5 Million settlement with Stericycle for RCRA Violations
On January 16, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a $9.5 million...
jmaiden
Jan 282 min read


President Trump’s First Series of Executive Orders Indicate a New Direction of American Energy and Environmental Priorities
On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at reshaping the United States’ energy and...
jmaiden
Jan 283 min read


SEC Climate Disclosure Rule Litigation Update
In March 2024, the SEC adopted rules aimed at standardizing climate-related disclosures for public companies and offerings. These rules...
jmaiden
Jan 282 min read


California’s SB 219: Key Delays and Changes in GHG and Climate Risk Reporting Laws
In 2023, California enacted two significant laws aimed at enhancing transparency around greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related...
jmaiden
Jan 282 min read


Democrats Propose $1 Trillion Polluters Pay Climate Fund Bill
On September 12th, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen published a press release announcing the “ Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act .” The...
jmaiden
Jan 282 min read


EPA Approves Rule 2305: A New Standard for Reducing California Warehouse Emissions
On September 11, the EPA approved California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) “Rule 2305” as part of the state...
jmaiden
Jan 281 min read


Ameren Saga Draws to a Close, by Eric Hiser
On November 6, 2024, Ameren Missouri and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) entered a joint stipulated order to resolve the Eighth......
jmaiden
Nov 11, 20241 min read
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