Emerging Issues
NYC Department of Buildings Releases Proposed Local Law 97 Regulations
On October 6, 2022, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) issued proposed regulations to implement Local Law 97 of 2019 (LL97). LL97 requires most large buildings in NYC to meet increasingly stringent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions limits starting in 2024. The proposed regulations include three key components and numerous other clarifications to the…
PFAS Litigation Update: Court Denies Summary Judgment to AFFF Manufacturers
On September 16, 2022, Judge Richard M. Gergel of the U.S. District Court of South Carolina denied aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) manufacturers’ motion for summary judgment based on the government contractor indemnity defense in a multi-district litigation (MDL) currently pending against 3M Company, Tyco Fire Products LP, Chemguard Inc., National Foam, Inc., Buckeye Fire…
Developments in Regulation of PFAS
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continue to emerge, so to speak, as a focus of regulatory attention on many levels: health, environmental remediation, and manufacturing. Below, we discuss some of the more recent developments affecting this ubiquitous class of chemicals. Nicknamed “forever chemicals,” PFAS are a family of chemical compounds with a wide range…
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Issues Draft Disadvantaged Communities Criteria
On March 9, 2022, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC or the Department) issued draft criteria developed by the Department’s Climate Justice Working Group (CJWG or Working Group) for identifying disadvantaged communities in New York State. The CJWG was established under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019 (CLCPA) and…
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Issues CLCPA Compliance Guidance
On December 8, 2021, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC or the Department) issued two policies that incorporate climate change considerations into Departmental decision making and ensure compliance with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019 (CLCPA). As previously covered by the SPR Blog, the CLCPA requires DEC to establish…
City Issues New Local Law 97 Affordable Housing Guidance
New York City issued new guidance on compliance with Local Law 97 of 2019 (Local Law 97), as amended, for affordable housing and extended the compliance deadline for some types of rent regulated buildings. Local Law 97 requires most buildings over 25,000 square feet to meet progressively stringent greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) limits or to…
