Click here to download a complete pdf version of E&E Legal Letters Issue XLII Winter 2024. Click headlines for the full article.
Biden administration is closing the valve on domestic energy
by Steve Milloy, E&E Legal Senior Policy Fellow, as appearing in The Washington Times
As if we didn’t know for certain already, serving the climate cult is a higher priority to the Biden administration than helping Americans or our allies. Last month, President Biden announced in a teleconference with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm that all current and future liquefied natural gas export application approvals are on hold until further notice.
Is the Electric Car Market Collapsing or Cooling?
by Katy Grimes, Senior Media Fellow, as appearing in the California Globe
The electric car market is cooling – in fact, many say it is downright chilly…EVs are much more expensive, costing significantly more to own than a hybrid, require electric charging, have range limitations, and require electricity to charge on an already taxed electrical grid – whereas hybrid vehicles reduce the use of fossil fuels while lowering emissions in the short term.
Crocodile tears about ‘sue and settle’
by Greg Walcher, Senior Policy Fellow, as appearing in the Daily Sentinel
House Republicans were so upset that they held two committee hearings during 2023, and in November the Committee on Oversight and Accountability announced that it will investigate the EPA’s “use of secretive ‘sue-and-settle’ practices.” The chairman says the EPA uses the tactic “to avoid congressional oversight” and implement policies that special interests want.
Is the Regulatory Compact Underpinning California’s Electric Grid At Risk?
by Tom Tanton, E&E Legal Director of Science and Technology Assessment, as appearing in the California Globe
The U.S. National Academy of Engineering has named construction of the vast U.S. electric power grid the 20th century’s most important achievement. From huge hydroelectric projects and massive generation facilities capable of powering large cities, to transmission lines climbing over mountain ranges and individualized distribution lines delivering electricity to nearly every single American household and factory floor, the grid epitomizes the promise of creative cooperation of people and organizations with different interests over decades. It is unlikely to have succeeded if not for a “regulatory compact” that today is unfortunately at risk.
Do fish understand environmental justice?
by Greg Walcher, Senior Policy Fellow, as appearing in the Daily Sentinel
Southerners have enjoyed shrimp and grits for generations, New Englanders have their clam chowder, Marylanders their crab cakes, and Cajuns their crawfish etouffee. Oysters Rockefeller is a century-old tradition, while calamari, sushi, and ceviche are more of an acquired taste, but growing in popularity. Thankfully, all those fish no longer need worry about social justice, as the Biden administration unveils its new initiative to “Integrate Principles of Equity and Environmental Justice in Federal Ocean Activities.”
E&E Legal Letters is a quarterly publication of the Energy and Environment Legal Institute. The publication is widely disseminated to key stakeholders, such as our members, website inquiries, energy, environment, and legal industry representatives, the media, congressional, legislative, and regulatory contacts, the judiciary, and donors.
