Buildings

New York Court Upholds Local Climate Laws, Bolstering Efforts to Combat Emissions from Large Buildings

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New York, NY — In a significant ruling today, the New York State Court of Appeals affirmed that the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act does not override Local Law 97 or other municipal climate initiatives. This decision is expected to strengthen local authorities’ ability to enforce measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Rachel Spector, the Deputy Managing Attorney at Earthjustice’s Northeast Office, issued a statement praising the court’s decision. She emphasized that this ruling reinforces the importance of local laws in conjunction with statewide efforts to address climate change. Spector remarked on … Read more

Santa Fe Resident Convicted for 2016 Arson of Historic Las Trampas Buildings

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Santa Fe, NM – A Santa Fe jury has convicted a local man for the arson of two historical structures in Las Trampas, a crime dating back to 2016. The verdict brings closure to a case that has captured local attention due to its impact on the community’s cultural heritage. The convicted, Jeffrey H., whose full name has been withheld due to privacy concerns, was found guilty on multiple counts of arson after a week-long trial. The jury, deliberating for six hours, based their decision on a confluence of forensic evidence and testimony that placed … Read more

Berkeley Reaches Settlement, Putting an End to Natural Gas Ban in New Buildings

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Berkeley, California – The city of Berkeley has settled a lawsuit and agreed to put an end to its ban on natural gas in new buildings. The ban, which would have required all new construction projects to use electric power instead of natural gas, has faced opposition and legal challenges since it was initially implemented in 2019. The settlement comes after the city faced legal pressure from a group of restaurant owners and the California Restaurant Association. Under the terms of the settlement, Berkeley will rescind the ban on natural gas and will instead focus … Read more