Benjamin H. Grumbles, president of Clean Water America Alliance and former Environmental Protection Agency assistant administrator for water, examines the facts and potential environmental impacts of fracking associated with shale gas production and concludes with some policy recommendations to protect what he calls the country’s most precious liquid asset—water. In addition, Bloomberg BNA correspondent Tripp Baltz sets out specific actions states have taken in the last several years to control fracking by oil and gas companies, particularly in relation to disclosure of the chemicals being used.

 

Dian Grueneich, Theresa Cho, and Paul Esformes of Morrison & Foerster LLP discuss implications for developers of renewable energy and the challenges of a program that attempts to balance cost containment and aggressive renewable targets. Stephen A. Kisker and Daniel T. McKillop of Wolff & Samson PC examine New Jersey’s solar electricity generating program, which has evolved into one of the most successful market-based incentive programs in the country. David Huard and Jack Stoddard of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP evaluate impediments faced by California as the state seeks to fulfill its goal of being a leader in clean energy development.

Mark Bennett of Miller Canfield, David Freeman of Paul Hastings LLP, and Anthony J. Buonicore of Buonicore Partners LLC review the increasing role energy efficiency will play in the renewable energy area in light of emerging energy disclosure and labeling laws, the impact of a new ASTM standard that addresses how building energy-use information is gathered and used, and legal implications for buyers and sellers. Thomas Coyne and Michael Zimmer, both with Thompson Hine LLP, examine the trend of green building construction and the emerging trend of green leasing for commercial properties.

Stephen P. Solow, a former chief of theEnvironmental Crimes Section at the Department of Justice, and hisassociate Anne M. Carpenter at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP present their latest annual reviewof environmental crime enforcement in 2010 with a particular focus on possible impacts from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. They also provide summaries of the criminalcases brought around the country last year. In addition, Bloomberg BNAreporter Andrew Childers outlines enforcement issues that are expected to dominate EPA's attention in 2011.

Michael J. Zimmer and Jennifer Rohlederof Thompson Hine LLP outline risks and benefits to be consideredwhen undertaking green building development and redevelopment.Additionally, Bill Browning, founder of the environmentalconsulting firm Terrapin Bright Green, discusses his work inbiophilics--the intersection of facility design and workerproductivity. Finally, Bloomberg BNA editorial staff highlight recentdevelopments related to green building.

Robert B. McKinstry Jr., Brendan K. Collins, and Jennifer E. Drust, attorneys with Ballard Spahr LLP, maintain comprehensive regulation of greenhouse gas emissions will occur regardless of whether Congress acts. They say regulatory actions by the Environmental Protection Agency, guidance from the White House Council on Environmental Quality and the Securities and Exchange Commission, efforts by many states, and potential legal liabilities all will put a price on carbon dioxide emissions, creating business risks and opportunities that should play a part in corporate and governmental planning. In addition, six BNA reporters provide updates on the development of GHG regulations.

G. Tracy Mehan, III, former assistant Environmental Protection Agency administrator for water, maintains water data and monitoring, both as to quantity and quality, are key to the successful restoration of watersheds around the country. Additionally, BNA editorial staff highlight programs and efforts underway to better quantify water quality.

Charles M. Auer, former director of the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, along with Blake A. Biles and Lawrence E. Culleen, who also served in leadership roles at EPA in implementing the Toxic Substances Control Act, suggest how to strengthen the law. Auer also is joined by Lynn L. Bergeson and Lisa R. Burchi of Bergeson & Campbell PC in evaluating EPA's efforts to create a "chemicals of concern" list.

Stephen P. Solow, a former chief of the Environmental Crimes Section at the Department of Justice, and his associate Anne M. Carpenter at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP review what happened in 2009 from an enforcement perspective and Environmental Protection Agency national enforcement initiatives for 2010 and beyond. They also provide summaries of the criminal cases brought around the country last year. In addition, two BNA reporters provide their perspective on enforcement developments in 2010.

An overview of environmental enforcement activities in 2007 and expectations for 2008, including policy and legislative matters; summaries of almost 60 criminal cases brought around the country; and an interview with Stacey Mitchell, chief of the Department of Justice's Environmental Crimes Section.