Court Blocks Virginia Governor’s Attempt to Exit Greenhouse Gas Pact

Richmond, VA — In a significant legal ruling, a Virginia judge determined that Governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration lacks the authority to withdraw the state from a regional agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The decision thwarts efforts by the Republican governor to sever ties with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which Virginia joined under the previous Democratic governor, Ralph Northam. The judgment was made by Arlington County Circuit Court Judge Louise DiMatteo. She upheld arguments asserting that the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board and the Department of Environmental Quality did not have the … Read more

Lawsuit Challenges California’s New Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Risk Disclosure Laws

SAN FRANCISCO, California – A lawsuit has been filed challenging California’s new laws that require businesses to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risks. The Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act were signed into law recently, mandating annual and biennial disclosures respectively. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and several other organizations filed the lawsuit, arguing that the laws violate the First Amendment and that federal regulations preempt California’s ability to regulate emissions in other states. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, along with the American Farm Bureau Federation, California … Read more