Municipal Law
Executive Order Begins the Formidable Process of Dismantling Federal Efforts to Address Climate Change
On March 28, 2017, President Trump signed an Executive Order, titled “Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth,” that is designed to roll back several of President Barack Obama’s efforts to address climate change. While some of the Executive Order’s provisions are self-executing, many will require lengthy administrative procedures to become effective and certainly will face…
Trump Executive Order Directs EPA and the Corps to Reconsider the 2015 “Clean Water Rule”
On February 28, 2017, the Trump administration issued an Executive Order (the “Order”) directing the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“USACE”) to begin the process of “revising or revoking” the Obama administration’s 2015 “Clean Water Rule” (the “Rule”) which sought to define the extent of federal jurisdiction over “waters…
Appellate Court Denies Motion to Enjoin Brooklyn Heights Library Redevelopment
By: Jonathan Kalmuss-Katz On March 7, 2017, the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division, Second Department, denied a motion to enjoin the redevelopment of the Brooklyn Public Library’s (“BPL”) Brooklyn Heights branch, which will provide a modernized library within a new 36-story, mixed-used building featuring 134 market-rate apartments, two retail spaces, and a science,…
DEC Adopts Regulation Establishing Sea-Level Rise Projections for New York
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“DEC”) recently announced the final adoption of a regulation establishing science-based sea-level rise projections for New York’s tidal coast. The regulation, which implements the Community Risk and Resiliency Act (“CRRA”) of 2014, was first proposed in late 2015 and was revised in late 2016. The final regulation…
LIPA Approves Power Purchase Agreement for Nation’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm
By: Ed Roggenkamp On January 25, 2017, the Long Island Power Authority (“LIPA”) voted to approve a power purchase agreement (“PPA”) with Deepwater Wind for the South Fork wind farm, a proposed 90 megawatt (“MW”) offshore wind farm located approximately 30 miles southeast of Montauk. If constructed, the South Fork wind farm would be the…
NYSDEC Proposes First Major Amendments to State Environmental Quality Review Act Regulations in Over Twenty Years
By: Jonathan Kalmuss-Katz On January 23, 2017, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“NYSDEC”) proposed the most significant changes to its regulations implementing the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) in more than twenty years. The proposal aims to streamline the environmental impact review process in New York, particularly for projects that advance…
Albany Supreme Court Dismisses Challenge to State Permit for Pier 55 in Hudson River Park
In a decision dated January 20, 2017, Hon. Lisa M. Fisher of the New York Supreme Court, Albany County, dismissed in its entirety litigation challenging the legality of the permit that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“DEC”) issued for the Pier 55 project in Hudson River Park. The project, currently in construction,…
Daniel Riesel and Pamela Esterman to Chair Upcoming Environmental Law Conference
By: Heewon Kim On February 9-10, 2017, SPR principals Daniel Riesel and Pamela Esterman will co-chair the 47th annual ALI CLE Environmental Law Course in Washington, DC. The course, which is co-sponsored by ALI CLE and the Environmental Law Institute, will feature advanced-level presentations by senior public officials, distinguished law professors, seasoned private practitioners, and…
New York State, New York City and Federal Authorities Highlight Living Shorelines for Ecological Preservation and Restoration
Also by: Heewon Kim New York State: Proposed Guidance Emphasizes Development of Living Shorelines On December 28, 2016, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“DEC”) released a draft guidance document highlighting the use of natural and nature-based features in shoreline stabilization, also known as “living shorelines.” The guidance promotes a consistent approach to…
New York Offshore Wind Activities Update – Auction Completed, Lawsuit Proceeds, Cuomo Announces Goals
By: Ed Roggenkamp BOEM Auctions Offshore Wind Lease for New York Wind Energy Area On December 15 and 16, 2016, the United States Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (“BOEM”) conducted a competitive auction for a lease allowing development of an offshore wind farm in an 79,350-acre area south of Long Island. The New York Wind…
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