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Regulations are written in blood. Whose blood are we using? Do you like clean water? Do you think dumping raw sewage into rivers and ocean is a good idea? The deregulation movement is targeting clean water, and they are using the courts to do it. Standards is a new series from Everything is Public Health, where we examine all the rules and regulations keeping us safe and healthy, and the deregulation movement working to destroy them.-o-Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/everythingispublichealth Bluesky Social: @everythingisPHMastodon: @everythingispublichealth Email: EverythingIsPublicHealth@gmail.com Photo credit: Public domain image from WikicommonsSupport the show
In this episode of New Frontiers, host Paul Johnson sits down with environmental educator and NAU professor Dr. Stefan Sommer for a compelling discussion on climate change and its multifaceted challenges. With deep expertise in sustainability, biodiversity, and public outreach, Dr. Sommer unpacks the science behind global warming, while Paul presents a pro-growth, free-market perspective. Together, they explore where environmental urgency meets economic practicality—striving for a balance that drives solutions and optimism.Topics Discussed in the VideoThe Climate Crisis Explained: Dr. Sommer breaks down why today's climate patterns are beyond historical norms, referencing gigaton-scale carbon emissions, warming oceans, and the race toward critical temperature thresholds like 1.5°C.Economic Toll of Climate Change: From wildfires to floods, climate-related disasters are racking up costs in the trillions. Dr. Sommer outlines the impact on agriculture, food prices, and insurance markets—making the climate issue both environmental and economic.Arizona's Green Energy Potential: The conversation highlights Arizona's vast opportunity in solar and wind energy, with specific projects contributing gigawatts of renewable power. Dr. Sommer urges the state to capitalize on its geographic advantage and federal incentives.Free Market vs Regulation: Paul argues that capitalism offers the most viable path to solving environmental problems, using examples from his international experiences. Stefan emphasizes that regulation like the Clean Water Act was essential for past environmental victories.The Case for and Against Nuclear Power: The two examine the role of nuclear energy, discussing emerging technologies, costs, and public concerns. Can new-generation nuclear be a bridge to a low-carbon future?Public Perception and Climate Education: Dr. Sommer points out the significant role misinformation plays in slowing progress. He shares how his outreach, including training over 160 teachers, aims to rebuild trust in science and equip communities for action.
Can environmental rollbacks be reversed, or are we already too late? Inside Climate News reporter Kiley Bense examines President Trump's first 100 days in office. focusing on the effects of his environmental policy—including massive EPA funding cuts, the dismantling of federal agencies, and the weakening of environmental safeguards. Bense unpacks how these actions threaten progress on the climate crisis, undermine disaster response through FEMA restructuring, and put vulnerable communities at greater risk by defunding the LIHEAP program. You can find Kiley's work at insideclimatenews.org/profile/kiley-bense. If you want to help us reach our goal of planting 30k trees AND get a free tree planted in your name, visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn how.
A legacy of pollution and neglect once left the James River and surrounding waterways in ecological crisis. But decades of federal protections and grassroots advocacy have shown that nature can heal—if given the chance. In this episode, Beth Roach, Vice Chair of the Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia and National Water Conservation Campaign Manager for the Sierra Club, shares her personal and professional journey in water protection. Beth reflects on the environmental trauma of growing up beside a toxic river and the powerful return of wildlife spurred by the Clean Water Act. She describes how her tribe is leading efforts to reconnect people with their ancestral waters through cleanups and cultural engagement, and how the Tribal Coastal Resilience Connections project is building stronger bridges between Indigenous communities and government agencies.Beth also discusses the rollback of wetland protections, Sierra Club's national clean water campaigns, and why relationship-building is the enduring strategy to drive equity and resilience—even in politically turbulent times.waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. This episode is part of the Color Of Water series, a collaboration with the Water Hub.
Join Tim Kelly (Hausfeld) and Misha Tseytlin (Troutman Pepper Locke) as they unpack the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision in City and County of San Francisco v. EPA. The ruling struck down the EPA's use of “end-result” requirements in NPDES permits, ruling that the Clean Water Act (CWA) does not authorize the agency to impose permit conditions that hold dischargers responsible for overall water quality in receiving waters. The decision has significant implications for municipal wastewater treatment, regulatory enforcement, and the scope of the EPA's authority under the CWA. In this episode, they explore: The legal reasoning behind the Court's decision, including highlights from the majority and dissenting opinions The implications for municipal wastewater treatment plants, particularly those operating combined sewer systems How the decision impacts the EPA's regulatory powers and enforcement strategies What this means for the future of Clean Water Act litigation and the evolving role of state environmental agencies Whether you're a legal practitioner, environmental policy expert, or simply interested in water law, this episode offers valuable insight into a pivotal case reshaping federal environmental regulation.
Today on the Digging in Podcast. Missouri Farm Bureau President, Garrett Hawkins joins the show from Washington DC. His visit includes an address to the EPA about the Clean Water Act and how it has affected landowners in Missouri. As well as highlighting the importance of WOTUS. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to have Digging In sent directly to your smart device each time it's released! Host: Janet Adkison, Missouri Farm Bureau Director of Public Affairs Guest: Garrett Hawkins, Missouri Farm Bureau President Producer: Jacob King, Missouri Farm Bureau Video & Audio Media Specialist
In this installment of the People Places Planet Explained Series, host Dara Albrecht is joined by Robin Rotman, Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri, and Camille Pannu, Associate Professor at Columbia Law School and Director of the Environmental and Climate Justice Clinic, to break down the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)—the cornerstone law protecting America's drinking water. The conversation covers SDWA's origins, its regulatory reach over public water systems, and the emerging challenges tied to small system compliance, contaminants like PFAS, and growing infrastructure needs. Rotman and Pannu explain key concepts such as maximum contaminant levels, variances, citizen suits, and the relationship between SDWA and the Clean Water Act. They also discuss notable cases like Des Moines Water Works and Flint, Michigan, and examine how funding limitations and legal battles shape drinking water protections today. Looking forward, they reflect on future developments in private well regulation, point-of-use treatment technologies, and technical assistance for vulnerable communities. This episode offers an essential primer for anyone interested in how public health, environmental law, and infrastructure converge at the tap. ★ Support this podcast ★
Clean Wisconsin has been keeping track of the many attacks on bedrock environmental safeguards being carried out by the Trump Administration. Dozens of rules and regulations that protect our air, water, land, endangered species and more are being targeted. With so much happening in such a short time, how do you know what's important, what's just a lot of bluster, and what's even legal? Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Brett Korte, Clean Wisconsin attorney Resources for You: Running list of attacks on environmental safeguards 1/20 Freeze All In-Progress Standards EO - Freezes in-progress climate, clean air, clean water (including proposed limits on PFAS in industrial wastewater) and consumer protections. 1/20 Energy Emergency Declaration EO - Authorizes federal government to expedite permitting and approval of fossil fuel, infrastructure, and mining projects and circumvent Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act requirements. 1/20 Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement EO - Reverses the US' international commitment to tackling climate change and reducing pollution. 1/20 Revokes Biden Climate Crisis and Environmental Justice Executive Actions EO - Reverses U.S. commitment to fight climate change and its impacts, and protect overburdened communities. 1/20 Attacks on Clean Car Standards EO - to stop clean car standards that required automakers to reduce tailpipe pollution from vehicles beginning in 2027. 1/20 Resumes LNG Permitting EO - Expedites Liquid Natural Gas export terminal approval over analysis finding exports raise energy costs for consumers. Attacks Climate and Clean Energy Investments from IRA and BIL EO - Freezes unspent funds from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and directs agencies to reassess. 1/20 Attacks NEPA Protections EO - Rescinds order requiring White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to assess environmental and community impacts and allow community input into federal infrastructure projects. 1/21 Expands Offshore Oil Drilling EO - Reopens U.S. coastlines to offshore drilling. 1/21 Terminate American Climate Corps EO - Ends all programs of the American Climate Corps, which created thousands of jobs combatting climate change and protecting and restoring public lands. 1/21 Freezes New Wind Energy Leases EO - Withdraws wind energy leasing from U.S. waters and federal lands. 1/21 Open Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other Alaska Lands for Drilling EO - Reopens sensitive federal lands and waters in Alaska to drilling. 1/28 EPA's Science Advisory Panel Members Fired Memorandum - Acting EPA administrator James Payne dismisses members of the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee and Science Advisory Board, which provides independent expertise to the agency on air quality standards and sources of air pollution. 1/28 EPA Suspends Solar For All Grants Memorandum - The EPA halted $7 billion in contractually obligated grants for Solar For All, an Inflation Reduction Act program that delivers clean energy and lower prices to vulnerable communities 1/31 Trump administration scrubs "climate change" from federal websites Memorandum - Mentions of climate change have been removed from federal websites such the Department of Agriculture, which includes the Forest Service and climate-smart agriculture programs, and the EPA. 2/3 Trump requires removal 10 existing rules for every new rule EO - The order requires that when an agency finalizes a new regulation or guidance they identify 10 existing rules to be cut. 2/3 Interior secretary weakens public lands protections in favor of fossil fuel development Sec Order - After Trump's "Unleashing American Energy" executive order, Interior Secretary Burgum ordered the reinstatement of fossil fuel leases, opened more land for drilling, and issued orders weakening protections of public lands, national monuments and endangered species, and overturned advanced clean energy and climate mitigation strategies. 2/5 Energy secretary announces review of appliance efficiency standards Sec Order - Energy Secretary Wright ordered a review of appliance standards following Trump's Day One order attacking rules improving the efficiency of household appliances such as toilets, showerheads, and lightbulbs as part of a secretarial order intended to increase the extraction and use of fossil fuels. 2/5 Army Corps of Engineers halts approval of renewables Guidance via DOD - The Army Corps of Engineers singled out 168 projects – those that focused on renewable energy projects – out of about 11,000 pending permits for projects on private land. Though the hold was lifted, it was not immediately clear if permitting had resumed. 2/6 Transportation Department orders freeze of EV charging infrastructure program Memorandum - A Transportation Department memo ordered the suspension of $5 billion in federal funding, authorized by Congress under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, for states to build electric vehicle chargers. 2/11 SEC starts process to kill climate disclosure rule Memorandum - The acting chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission paused the government's legal defense of a rule requiring companies to identify the impact of their business on climate in regulatory findings. The rule was challenged in court by 19 Republican state attorneys general and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright's Liberty Energy, among others. 2/14 EPA fires hundreds of staff Memorandum - The Trump administration's relentless assault on science and career expertise at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continued today with the firing of almost 400 staff who had ‘probationary' status. 2/14 DOE issues the first LNG export authorization under new Trump administration DOE Secretary Wright issued an export authorization for the Commonwealth LNG project in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, despite a 2024 DOE report finding that unfettered LNG exports increase energy bills and climate pollution. 2/18 Trump issues order stripping independent agencies of independence EO - Trump signed an executive order stripping independent regulatory agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of their independence, moving them to submit proposed rules and final regulations for review by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) and granting the attorney general exclusive authority over legal interpretations of rules. The order is likely to be challenged as Congress created these agencies specifically to be insulated from White House interference. 2/19 Zeldin recommends striking endangerment finding Memorandum - After Trump's "Unleashing American Energy" executive order, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has told the White House he would recommend rescinding the bedrock justification defining six climate pollutants – carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride – as air pollution to be regulated by the Clean Air Act. 2/19 Trump administration moves to rescind all CEQ regulatory authority Rulemaking - The Trump administration has moved to rescind the Council on Environmental Quality's role in crafting and implementing environmental regulations, revoking all CEQ orders since 1977 that shape how federal agencies comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which requires the government to consider and disclose environmental impacts of its actions. 2/19 Trump directs agencies to make deregulation recommendations to DOGE EO - Trump issues executive order directing agencies to work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to make recommendations that will accelerate Trump's efforts to dismantle regulations across the federal government as part of his 10 out, 1 in policy. Among the protections likely to be in DOGE's crosshairs are those that keep polluters from ignoring environmental laws and protect clean air and water. 2/19 FEMA staff advised to scrub "changing climate" and other climate terms from documents Memorandum - A Federal Emergency Management Agency memo listed 10 climate-related words and phrases, including "changing climate," “climate resilience,” and “net zero," to be removed from FEMA documents. The memo comes after USDA workers were ordered to scrub mentions of climate change from websites. 2/21 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Director Placed on Administrative Leave Guidance - According to media reports, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin has put the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) director on administrative leave. The GGRF is a $27 billion federal financing program that addresses the climate crisis and is injecting billions of dollars in local economic development projects to lower energy prices and reduce pollution especially in the rural, urban, and Indigenous communities most impacted by climate change and frequently left behind by mainstream finance. 2/27 Hundreds fired as layoffs begin at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Guidance - On Thursday, February 27, about 800 employees at NOAA, the agency responsible for the nation's bedrock weather, climate, fisheries, and marine research, were fired in the latest round of Trump administration-led layoffs. The layoffs could jeopardize NOAA's ability to provide life-saving severe weather forecasts, long-term climate monitoring, deep-sea research and fisheries management, and other essential research and policy. 3/10 Energy secretary says climate change a worthwhile tradeoff for growth Announcement - Speaking at the CERAWeek conference, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the Trump administration sees climate change as “a side effect of building the modern world,” and pledged to “end the Biden administration's irrational, quasi-religious policies on climate change." 3/10 Zeldin, Musk Cut $1.7B in Environmental Justice Grants Guidance - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the cancellation of 400 environmental justice-related grants, in violation of a court order barring the Trump administration from freezing "equity-based" grants and contracts. 3/11 EPA eliminates environmental justice offices, staff Memorandum - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin ordered the closure of environmental justice offices at the agency's headquarters and at all 10 regional offices and eliminate all related staff positions "immediately." The reversal comes just days after the EPA reinstated environmental justice and civil rights employees put on leave in early February. 3/12 EPA Announcement to Revise "Waters of the United States" Rule Announcement - The EPA will redefine waters of the US, or WOTUS, to comply with the US Supreme Court's 2023 ruling in Sackett v. EPA, which lifted Clean Water Act jurisdiction on many wetlands, Administrator Lee Zeldin said 3/14 Zeldin releases 31-rollback ‘hit list' Memorandum (announced, not in effect as of 4/10) - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to dismantle federal air quality and carbon pollution regulations, identifying 31 actions ranging from from soot standards and power plant pollution rules to the endangerment finding – the scientific and legal underpinning of the Clean Air Act. 3/14 EPA halts enforcement of pollution rules at energy facilities Memorandum - According to a leaked memo, the EPA's compliance office has halted enforcement of pollution regulations on energy facilities and barred consideration of environmental justice concerns. The memo states: "Enforcement and compliance assurance actions shall not shut down any stage of energy production (from exploration to distribution) or power generation absent an imminent and substantial threat to human health or an express statutory or regulatory requirement to the contrary.” 3/14 Trump revokes order encouraging renewables EO - Trump signed an executive order rescinding a Biden-era proclamation encouraging the development of renewable energy. Biden's order under the Defense Production Act permitted the Department of Energy to direct funds to scale up domestic production of solar and other renewable technologies. 3/17 EPA plans to eliminate science staff Memorandum - Leaked documents describe plans to lay off as many as 1,155 scientists from labs across the country. These chemists, biologists, toxicologists and other scientists are among the experts who monitor air and water quality, cleanup of toxic waste, and more. 3/16 EPA invites waivers on mercury pollution and other hazardous pollutants Memorandum - The EPA invited coal- and oil-fired power plants to apply for exemptions to limits on mercury and other toxic pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Mercury is an extremely dangerous pollutant that causes brain damage to babies and fetuses; in addition to mercury, pollution from power plants includes hazardous chemicals that can lead to cancer, or damage to the lungs, kidneys, nervous system and cardiovascular system. 4/3 Trump administration adds "deregulation suggestion" website A new page on regulations.gov allows members of the public to submit "deregulation" ideas. The move is the latest in the Trump administration's efforts to slash public health, safety, and climate safeguards, and comes soon after the administration offered companies the opportunity to send the EPA an email if they wished to be exempted from Clean Air Act protections. 4/8 Series of four EOs to boost coal EO - Under the four orders, Trump uses his emergency authority to allow some older coal-fired power plants set for retirement to keep producing electricity to meet rising U.S. power demand amid growth in data centers, artificial intelligence and electric cars. Trump also directed federal agencies to identify coal resources on federal lands, lift barriers to coal mining and prioritize coal leasing on U.S. lands. In a related action, Trump also signed a proclamation offering coal-fired power plants a two-year exemption from federal requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals such as mercury, arsenic and benzene. 4/9 Executive Order Attacking State Climate Laws EO - Directs the U.S. Attorney General to sue or block state climate policies deemed "burdensome" to fossil fuel interests — including laws addressing climate change, ESG investing, carbon taxes, and environmental justice. 4/9 New expiration dates on existing energy rules EO - The order directs ten agencies and subagencies to assign one-year expiration dates to existing energy regulations. If they are not extended, they will expire no later than September 30, 2026, according to a White House fact sheet on the order. The order also said any new regulations should include a five-year expiration, unless they are deregulatory. That means any future regulations would only last for five years unless they are extended. 4/17 Narrow Endangered Species Act to allow for habitat destruction The Trump administration is proposing to significantly limit the Endangered Species Act's power to preserve crucial habitats by changing the definition of one word: harm. The Endangered Species Act prohibits actions that “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect” endangered plants and animals. The word “harm” has long been interpreted to mean not just the direct killing of a species, but also severe harm to their environment
WOTUS is back on the table under the Trump Administration.
Spring is here! To celebrate get to know Green Is The New Blue and learn about an effort for the equestrian community to become environmentally conscious. For the Legislative and Regulatory Update, we're diving into Waters of the US and the Clean Water Act.HORSES IN THE MORNING Episode 3659 –Show Notes and Links:Your Hosts: Julie Broadway (President) and Emily Stearns (Health, Welfare, and Regulatory Affairs Liaison) of the American Horse CouncilEmployment & Internships - The American Horse CouncilScholarships - The American Horse CouncilFollow Horse Radio Network on Facebook or follow Horses In The Morning on FacebookFollow the American Horses Council on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter)
Spring is here! To celebrate get to know Green Is The New Blue and learn about an effort for the equestrian community to become environmentally conscious. For the Legislative and Regulatory Update, we're diving into Waters of the US and the Clean Water Act.HORSES IN THE MORNING Episode 3659 –Show Notes and Links:Your Hosts: Julie Broadway (President) and Emily Stearns (Health, Welfare, and Regulatory Affairs Liaison) of the American Horse CouncilEmployment & Internships - The American Horse CouncilScholarships - The American Horse CouncilFollow Horse Radio Network on Facebook or follow Horses In The Morning on FacebookFollow the American Horses Council on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter)
Aaron Citron is the Associate Director of External Affairs at The Nature Conservancy, where he leads state-level policy engagement across Colorado. His work spans a wide array of conservation priorities, including water management, healthy forests, renewable energy siting, and partnerships with private landowners and tribal nations. Aaron plays a key role in bridging on-the-ground conservation efforts with the legislative and regulatory frameworks that support them. He also helps shape TNC's strategy around climate and energy policy, working to ensure a rapid but responsible transition to renewable infrastructure. Aaron grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where early exposure to the desert landscape—and its vital, limited water resources—sparked a lifelong interest in the natural world. After studying history and political science at Emory University, he returned west for law school at the University of Arizona, focusing on water and land use law. His career has taken him from local land trusts to national NGOs like Environmental Defense Fund, always at the intersection of policy, place, and practical impact. Along the way, he's built a reputation for thoughtful, collaborative work that reflects both his legal background and his deep connection to the West. In our conversation, Aaron shares a detailed look at how conservation policy gets made—from coalition-building and legislative drafting to navigating complex stakeholder relationships. We discuss examples like Colorado's response to Clean Water Act rollbacks and new tools to support in-stream flows on the Yampa River. He talks about the balance between urgency and patience, the importance of trust in long-term conservation, and how calm, clearheaded engagement can shape better outcomes. It's a compelling look at the behind-the-scenes work that makes public-facing conservation efforts possible. Be sure the check out the episode notes for a full list of everything we discussed and links to everything. Thanks to Aaron for this conversation and thank you for listening. Enjoy! --- Aaron Citron Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/aaron-citron/ --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:15 – Starting at the beginning, growing up in Tucson 7:42 – Underrated Arizona 11:23 – From environmental history to law school 15:22 – After law school, including a TNC internship 18:11 – Landing at the Arizona Land and Water Trust 21:24 – Path to TNC 24:06 – Aaron's role at TNC 27:42 – Clean Water Act protection project 33:40 – Getting the information to the people 35:29 – Yampa River Fund 40:39 – What makes someone good at policy work? 46:11 – The power of relationships 49:00 – Federal versus state policy focuses 53:40 – Remaining calm 57:21 – Book recs 1:01:53 – Parting thoughts --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts
Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” discuss the Waters of the US (WOTUS) rule under the Clean Water Act with Mary-Thomas Hart, Chief Counsel of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA). Thomas-Hart highlights that farmers and landowners have faced 14 iterations of WOTUS since 1972. Recent developments include EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's announcements on enforcement and a 30-day Request for Information. The Supreme Court's 2023 decision declared the significant nexus test unconstitutional. NCBA aims to ensure EPA aligns with the Supreme Court's intent. Thomas-Hart emphasizes the importance of public comments and collaboration with agencies like the US Army Corps of Engineers and USDA to avoid unintended harm to cattle producers. The discussion on the Ag Net News Hour continued on the Waters of the US under the Clean Water Act, emphasizing the need for clear definitions to avoid federal jurisdiction over agricultural land. California's water issues were highlighted, with concerns about water allocation and environmental policies favoring fish over human needs. The conversation also touched on the potential benefits and risks of genetically modified soybeans and corn, noting that 90% of soybeans and corn are genetically modified. The debate includes the impact of GMOs on human health and the role of the Food and Drug Administration in ensuring food safety. In the last segment, Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer discussed the growing gray wolf population in California, which has led to cattle depredation, prompting a local emergency in one county. Between October and December 2024, wolves killed 19 cattle in rural counties. The issue mirrors that in Colorado, where wolves were reintroduced via a ballot measure. The conversation highlighted the challenges farmers face, including financial losses and the fear of reporting losses due to potential harassment from environmentalists. California has a $3 million compensation program for non-lethal deterrence measures.
Thérèse Boudreaux, Reporter for The Center Square. 1.) EPA review of Clean Water Act standards draws praise, panic. 2.) Ex-IRS employee who leaked Trump tax returns summoned by House committee
In this case, the court considered this issue: Does the Clean Water Act allow the Environmental Protection Agency (or an authorized state) to impose generic prohibitions in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits that subject permit-holders to enforcement for violating water quality standards without identifying specific limits to which their discharges must conform?The case was decided on March 4, 2025.The Supreme Court held that the Clean Water Act does not authorize the EPA to include “end-result” provisions in wastewater discharge permits. Justice Samuel Alito authored the 5-4 majority opinion of the Court.First, while rejecting San Francisco's broader argument that all limitations must be “effluent limitations,” the Court focused on §1311(b)(1)(C)'s authorization of “any more stringent limitation” necessary to meet water quality standards. The terms “limitation,” “implement,” and “meet” in this provision require the EPA to specify concrete actions permittees must follow, not merely mandate end results without guidance. A proper “limitation” is a “restriction imposed from without,” not a directive that forces permittees to determine compliance measures themselves.Second, Congress deliberately abandoned the pre-1972 backward-looking approach that had directly penalized polluters for water quality violations. The CWA's “permit shield” provision, which protects compliant permittees from penalties, would be undermined if end-result requirements could expose permittees to massive penalties despite following all specified steps. Additionally, the EPA's interpretation offered no solution for fairly allocating responsibility among multiple dischargers affecting the same body of water. Determining necessary compliance steps is the EPA's responsibility, and Congress has provided the agency with sufficient tools to make these determinations without resorting to end-result requirements.Justice Amy Coney Barrett authored a dissenting opinion, in which Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson joined.The opinion is presented here in its entirety, but with citations omitted. If you appreciate this episode, please subscribe. Thank you.
Since the Clean Water Act, biodiversity in the Chicago River has increased, and there are now over 60 species of fish, including mimic shiner and brook silverside. Those species are spawning, and their offspring are also doing well, says Austin Happel, research biologist at the Shedd Aquarium, who focuses on urban freshwater systems. Reset learns more from Karen Weigert, Reset sustainability contributor, director of Loyola University Chicago's Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
City and County of San Francisco v. Environmental Protection Agency concerned whether the Clean Water Act allows the Environmental Protection Agency (or an authorized state) to impose generic prohibitions in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits that subject permit-holders to enforcement for violating water quality standards without identifying specific limits to which their discharges must […]
City and County of San Francisco v. Environmental Protection Agency concerned whether the Clean Water Act allows the Environmental Protection Agency (or an authorized state) to impose generic prohibitions in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits that subject permit-holders to enforcement for violating water quality standards without identifying specific limits to which their discharges must conform. On March 4, 2025, the Court held that the Clean Water Act does not authorize the EPA to include “end-result” provisions in wastewater discharge permits. Justice Samuel Alito authored the 5-4 majority opinion of the Court.Featuring:Jim Burling, Vice President of Litigation, Pacific Legal Foundation--To register, click the link above.
Agriculture's Return Flow Exemption Debt Repayment Capacity Cattle Inventory 00:01:05 – Agriculture's Return Flow Exemption: Roger McEowen, K-State and Washburn law professor, begins the show as he discusses a part of the Clean Water Act. He talks about how agricultural irrigation has a return flow exemption. Roger on AgManager.info 00:12:05 – Debt Repayment Capacity: K-State's Jenny Ifft and Joe Parcell keep today's show rolling as they explain the debt repayment capacity for U.S. crop businesses. They explain major contributors and what they are watching. Debt Repayment Capacity Among U.S. Crop Farm Businesses AgManager.info raff.missouri.edu 00:23:05 – Cattle Inventory: Ending the show is Brad White, Bob Larson, Dustin Pendell, Brian Lubbers and Phillip Lancaster with special guest Juliana Ranches as they converse about figures from the cattle inventory report on part of a Cattle Chat episode. BCI Cattle Chat Podcast Bovine Science with BCI Podcast Email BCI at bci@ksu.edu Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to ksrenews@ksu.edu. Agriculture Today is a daily program featuring Kansas State University agricultural specialists and other experts examining ag issues facing Kansas and the nation. It is hosted by Shelby Varner and distributed to radio stations throughout Kansas and as a daily podcast. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan
Today's Headlines: Trump's first joint address to Congress touched on immigration, DOGE, Mars, and a new Office of Shipbuilding. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Zelensky called Friday's Oval Office meeting “regrettable” and pushed for future cooperation. Trump's tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China took effect, sending markets tumbling nearly 700 points. Canada and Mexico announced retaliatory tariffs, while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted at potential tariff relief soon. The administration is walking back mass federal firings after a judge ruled them likely illegal, giving agencies until September to finalize terminations. Republicans in Congress were advised to avoid in-person town halls after viral confrontations. The Supreme Court weakened the Clean Water Act, making it easier for companies to discharge raw sewage into waterways. Meanwhile, a BlackRock-led group bought majority stakes in key Panama Canal ports, taking control from a Hong Kong-based firm. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Zelensky describes Oval Office meeting as ‘regrettable,' says he is ready to negotiate peace WSJ: Trump's Tariffs on Canada and Mexico Take Effect, With Added Duties on China BNN Bloomberg: Trump Mulling Canada, Mexico Tariff Compromise, Lutnick Says Huffpost: Trump Abruptly Walks Back His Directive To Fire Thousands Of Federal Employees NBC News: Republicans advised to avoid in-person town halls after confrontations over layoffs go viral The Guardian: US supreme court weakens rules on discharge of raw sewage into water supplies WSJ: BlackRock Strikes Deal for Panama Ports After U.S. Pressure Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's News Day Tuesday! Sam and Emma break down the biggest headlines of the day. First, they run through updates on the free-fall of the markets amid Trump's tariffs, Trump's cut off of aid to Ukraine, Trump's joint session, state-level Democrats' defense of trans athletes, a USAID report on the child death they prevent, SCOTUS' weakening of the Clean Water Act, DOGE's attack on NOAA, Trump's assault on Social Security, and Trump's incoming attacks on DOE and US forests, also discussing the possibility of Democratic Leadership finally coming around on acting like an opposition party over the GOP's government shutdown. They also watch JD Vance give an emotionally vivid recounting of his and Trump's harrowing showdown with Zelenskyy, expand a little on Trump's upcoming joint session (NOT a State of the Union), and Israel's ongoing shutdown of aid to Gaza, before parsing through Trump's insane new crackdown on protest and free speech, heartily backed by RFK. Sam and Emma highlight the Dow Jones going into free-fall just as Trump made his tariff announcements and Trump's ongoing attack on the Social Security Administration, before shifting to the state of the Democratic Party, with leadership finally turning a corner on *not* helping Trump pass his agenda, and wrapping up with Richie Torres' insane announcement of a bipartisan Crypto Caucus And in the Fun Half: Sam and Emma check in on self-proclaimed creeps Rahm Emmanuel and Bill Maher as they talk peeping on women in relation to… the Chicago Mayorship. The anti-vax community is outraged at RFK's decision to change course from not trying to prevent measles, to trying to prevent measles, and the MR Team dives deep into Sam's recent appearance on Piers Morgan with health quack Julian Michaels and Russian asset Benny Johnson, plus, your IMs! Call the Congressional switchboard and tell them not to vote for a clean continuing resolution (and to not join the Crypto Caucus!: 202-224-3121 Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Follow us on TikTok here!: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here!: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here!: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here!: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! https://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: https://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 10% off your purchase! Check out today's sponsors: DeleteMe: Take control of your data and keep your private life private by signing up for DeleteMe. Now at a special discount for our listeners.Today get 20% off your DeleteMe plan by texting MAJORITY to 64000. The only way to get twenty percent off is to text MAJORITY to sixty four thousand. Message and data rates may apply. Zippix Toothpicks: Ditch the cigarettes, ditch the vapes and get some nicotine infused toothpicks at https://zippixtoothpicks.com today. Get 10% off your first order by using the code MAJORITYREPORT at checkout. Your lungs will be glad you did. Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech @BradKAlsop Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on Youtube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com/ The Majority Report with Sam Seder - https://majorityreportradio.com/
We are about to say goodbye to some basic water protections as the Trump Administration looks to undo decades of science-based work focused on keeping toxic chemicals out of our water supplies. Right now on the Defender, Amy talks with Clean Wisconsin attorney Evan Feinauer about how bedrock protections like the Clean Water Act could be at risk as the new administration targets regulations, research, and expert staff at the EPA. Find out what's at stake and how Wisconsin can fight back. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Evan Feinauer Resources for You: Under the Lens: What we know about PFAS in Wisconsin's Water Nitrate pollution's impact on Wisconsn's health and economy Neonicotinoid pesticides and their impact More episodes with Evan: When Judges Rule the Environment: How bad are the new Supreme Court rulings? What Trump 2.0 means for our environment
We discuss how the public interest movements in the 60s and 70s can be a source of inspiration for American democracy and why this movement was a formidable force in influencing public policy that benefits all of us, from traffic safety to the Clean Water Act. Paul's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Focus on state and local government Make liberal cities and states compelling models for good governance to be replicated across the nation Paul Sabin is the Randolph W. Townsend, Jr. Professor of History and Professor of American Studies at Yale University and previously served as the founding executive director of the non-profit Environmental Leadership Program. Paul is the author of Public Citizens: The Attack on Big Government and the Remaking of American Liberalism. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Paul on X: https://x.com/paulesabin Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Paul Sabin Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
In this episode of Bionic Planet, Season 10, Episode 115, we dive into the significant environmental implications of the executive orders signed by President Donald Trump on his first day in office. Originally, we had planned to focus this season on Africa, but the rapid changes in U.S. environmental policy prompted us to shift gears. I connected with Tim Male last week. Tim, who founded the Environmental Policy Innovation Center in 2017, has a wealth of experience in environmental policy, having worked in various capacities, including at the White House and with organizations like Defenders of Wildlife. Both Tim and I share a commitment to addressing climate challenges, despite our differing perspectives on party policies. In our discussion, we unpack Tim's recent LinkedIn post, where he meticulously breaks down the ten executive actions that target environmental regulations. We explore the unprecedented number of executive orders issued in such a short time frame and the potential consequences of these actions. Tim emphasizes that while executive orders can set priorities for federal agencies, they must still align with existing laws, which can lead to legal challenges. We delve into specific orders, starting with the requirement for the "God squad" under the Endangered Species Act to meet more frequently and expedite reviews of projects that could impact endangered species. Tim explains the historical context of this committee and its potential to prioritize development over environmental protections. Next, we discuss directives to the Army Corps of Engineers to expedite permitting processes under the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, raising concerns about the implications for environmental safeguards. Tim provides insights into the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its role in ensuring that federal actions minimize environmental harm. We also examine the revocation of President Carter's executive order aimed at making environmental impact statements more accessible to the public, which Tim argues could lead to confusion and inconsistency across federal agencies. The episode continues with a discussion on the rescinding of protections for ancient forests and the withdrawal from international efforts to combat deforestation. Tim highlights the significance of ecosystem service valuation and the potential loss of guidance that could have helped quantify the benefits of environmental services. We touch on the broader implications of these actions, including the potential for increased energy production at the expense of environmental protections. As we wrap up, we reflect on the long-term consequences of these executive orders and the potential for legal challenges. Tim expresses concern about the sweeping nature of these actions and the message they send to communities affected by energy projects. This episode serves as a critical examination of the intersection between politics and environmental policy, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the current landscape and the challenges ahead in the fight against climate change. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction to Season 10 and Episode Overview 00:02:09 - Trump's Executive Orders on Environmental Policies 00:03:29 - The Role of Executive Orders in U.S. Government 00:04:01 - Critique of Trump's Environmental Actions 00:05:01 - Legal Challenges to Executive Orders 00:06:19 - Endangered Species Act and the God Squad 00:10:11 - Clean Water Act and Emergency Procedures 00:13:42 - Understanding NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) 00:16:03 - Revocation of Carter's NEPA Executive Order 00:19:12 - Rescinding Protections for Ancient Forests 00:21:49 - International Cooperation on Deforestation 00:23:09 - Ecosystem Service Valuation Guidance Rescinded 00:28:05 - Nature-Based Solutions and Their Importance 00:29:59 - Action Plans for Energy Production Regulations 00:32:19 - Suspension of Policies Related to Energy in Alaska 00:34:27 - Impact of Schedule F on Federal Employment 00:38:11 - DOJ Teams and Federal Workforce Changes 00:41:00 - The Role of Professionals in Government 00:44:25 - Conclusion and Future Implications Quotes "On his very first day in office, President Donald Trump signed 78 executive actions, and 10 of them targeted environmental policies." - 00:02:09 "It's pretty hard to find the wheat among the chaff in this set of actions from the environment." - 00:04:01 "What this order is foreshadowing is a bunch of people who are much more likely to prioritize a development project are going to get the final say on conflicts involving endangered species." - 00:09:33 "This is really just we're not going to do it." - 00:04:33 "The law is pretty limited in terms of who can, you know, ask for an appeal of the decision." - 00:10:21 "This is a part of that same executive order from President Biden that is being rescinded." - 00:20:25 "It's a broad and messy brush that they're painting across the forest landscape in a way that is pretty harmful." - 00:21:18 "This is a White House that's showing great interest in expanding the power of the White House." - 00:18:00 "There's people across the federal government who are very creative at saying, well, you've told me to do it this way, and that's not legal." - 00:42:19 "At the end of the day, I don't know what your philosophy is on how democracy is supposed to work, but, you know, at some level, the winner is supposed to get to decide what happens next." - 00:36:38 Keywords Bionic Planet Season 10 Episode 115 Donald Trump Tim Mayle Environmental Policy Innovation Center White House Defenders of Wildlife Nairobi LinkedIn Endangered Species Act Alaska Clean Water Act National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Obama administration Biden administration Anthropocene Steve Zwick snail darter whooping cranes Trans-Alaskan pipeline liquefied natural gas (LNG) Tongass National Forest U.S. Digital Service Virginia Youngkin ecosystem services climate emergency energy dominance fossil fuels Native Alaskans Paris Accord Washington, D.C. environmental impact statements mitigation banking biodiversity carbon sequestration emergency procedures federal workforce Schedule F Department of Justice (DOJ)
This Day in Legal History: Poll Tax AbolishedOn January 23, 1964, the 24th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights and voting equality. This amendment abolished the use of poll taxes in federal elections, a practice that had long been used to disenfranchise low-income and minority voters, particularly African Americans. Poll taxes required individuals to pay a fee to vote, which many could not afford, effectively barring them from participating in the democratic process.The amendment's ratification was part of a broader civil rights movement aiming to dismantle systemic barriers to equality. Although the 15th Amendment prohibited racial discrimination in voting, mechanisms like poll taxes, literacy tests, and other discriminatory practices were used to suppress African American voters, especially in the South. The 24th Amendment directly confronted one of these tools of disenfranchisement, removing a significant obstacle to equal voting rights.Its passage was not universally supported and faced resistance from states that benefitted from voter suppression. However, the amendment signaled a growing federal commitment to civil rights reforms. Following its ratification, court cases like Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections in 1966 extended the prohibition of poll taxes to state elections, solidifying the impact of the amendment across all levels of government.The elimination of the poll tax was a vital step in creating a more inclusive democracy. It underscored the principle that access to voting should not depend on one's economic status, reinforcing the idea that the right to vote is fundamental and universal.President Trump's declaration of a national energy emergency, aimed at accelerating oil and gas projects, is expected to withstand legal challenges, according to experts. The order invokes the National Emergencies Act, granting broad presidential powers to expedite energy project approvals. Courts are unlikely to overturn the emergency designation due to the law's lack of a clear definition of “emergency” and historical judicial deference to such declarations. However, the order's implementation could face significant legal scrutinyThe directive requires federal agencies to identify laws and regulations that could streamline permitting for projects, including drilling, pipeline construction, and refining. Environmental statutes like the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act could be impacted, sparking concerns over weakened protections. Legal battles are anticipated over specific agency actions, such as regulatory rollbacks or lease approvals, rather than the emergency declaration itself. The involvement of the National Security Council in justifying regulatory changes may bolster the administration's defense in court, as judges often defer to national security claims. Environmental groups have criticized the move but are waiting to challenge concrete actions taken under the order. Market forces and industry strategies, such as energy companies' focus on shareholder returns, will also influence the pace of oil and gas production growth.Trump US energy emergency order should withstand court challenges | ReutersCornell University has filed lawsuits against AT&T and Verizon in federal court in Texas, alleging infringement of two patents related to Wi-Fi technology. The patents, granted to Cornell in 2010 and 2011, were developed by two engineering professors and involve innovations to improve Wi-Fi signal strength and efficiency in devices compatible with Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 standards. The university claims the telecom companies infringe these patents through the manufacture and sale of Wi-Fi-enabled products, including smartphones and routers.Cornell seeks monetary damages and injunctions to stop the alleged infringement. The cases are filed under separate docket numbers for AT&T and Verizon in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Both companies and the university have not provided immediate comments on the litigation.Cornell University sues AT&T, Verizon over Wi-Fi patents | ReutersFormer New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez has lost his bid for a new trial following his corruption conviction. Menendez argued that jurors improperly reviewed unredacted evidence during deliberations, which his defense team claimed unfairly linked him to accusations of accepting bribes in exchange for facilitating military aid to Egypt. U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein rejected the request, stating that the defense shared responsibility for not identifying the unredacted material and that it likely did not influence the jury's decision.The ruling clears the way for Menendez's sentencing next week, where prosecutors are seeking a 15-year prison term. Menendez, convicted on all 16 counts last July, including acting as an agent for a foreign government, allegedly accepted bribes such as gold, cash, and a luxury car in exchange for political favors, including aid to Qatar. Menendez's lawyers argue for a sentence of no more than 2¼ years. He served 18½ years in the Senate and previously chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.Former NJ senator Menendez loses bid for new trial after saying error tainted conviction | ReutersIn a piece I wrote for Forbes yesterday, I argue New Jersey's proposal to eliminate the 200-transaction threshold for economic nexus is a welcome step toward simplifying sales and use tax compliance. This outdated mechanism, derived from the Supreme Court's decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, was intended to ensure out-of-state sellers contributed their fair share. However, it has created unnecessary burdens, especially for small businesses, which must navigate a labyrinth of state-specific rules for both revenue and transaction counts. The inconsistency across states adds to the complexity for remote sellers.New Jersey's approach to tie tax collection responsibility solely to gross revenue—requiring collection only for sellers exceeding $100,000—represents a smarter, more equitable model. It aligns taxation with actual economic impact and removes arbitrary transaction thresholds. This eliminates a glaring loophole where high-value but fewer transactions escape tax liability while lower-value, high-volume transactions bear the burden. Simplifying compliance frameworks in this way eases administrative challenges for businesses, particularly those lacking dedicated tax resources.On a broader scale, New Jersey's move highlights the need for uniformity in sales tax laws. The patchwork of state-specific thresholds creates barriers to interstate commerce and drives up compliance costs for sellers. A consistent revenue-only threshold nationwide would modernize tax systems to reflect the realities of e-commerce, replacing rules designed for brick-and-mortar operations.If adopted, New Jersey's policy could set a precedent for other states, as economic pressures push legislatures to secure steady revenue streams. A shift to revenue-based thresholds could reduce friction, lower compliance costs, and pave the way for a fairer, more streamlined sales tax landscape in 2025 and beyond.Say Goodbye To Sales Tax Headaches? Sales And Use Tax Simplification This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
Landlord-tenant law governs the relationship between property owners and renters, with tenancies like tenancy for years, periodic tenancy, tenancy at will, and tenancy at sufferance. Landlord obligations include the implied warranty of habitability, covenant of quiet enjoyment, and prompt response to repairs, while tenant obligations include paying rent, maintaining the property, and avoiding illegal activities. Disputes often arise, and many jurisdictions provide additional protections for tenants. Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind and includes patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. IP rights can be transferred or licensed, and enforcement often involves litigation. Emerging issues include AI's role in creation, globalization, digital rights management, and biotechnology patents. Environmental and natural resource law addresses the use and preservation of natural resources through regulatory frameworks like NEPA, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Natural resource management governs resource extraction, and policy debates focus on climate change, land use, and sustainable development. Property law evolves in response to societal changes, and key policy considerations include access to affordable housing, equity in property ownership, and technological innovations. Proposed reforms aim to expand tenant protections, encourage sustainable development, and strengthen anti-displacement policies.This lecture covers advanced property law topics, including mortgages and financing, landlord-tenant law, intellectual property, environmental and natural resource law, and policy considerations. Mortgages are legal agreements where borrowers pledge real property as security for loans. They include a promissory note and mortgage instrument and come in types like fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, and interest-only. Foreclosure occurs when a borrower defaults. Landlord-tenant law governs the relationship between property owners and renters, with different types of tenancies and obligations for both landlords and tenants. Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind and includes patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. IP rights can be transferred or licensed. Environmental and natural resource law addresses the use and preservation of natural resources through regulatory frameworks and natural resource management. Property law evolves in response to societal changes, and key policy considerations include access to affordable housing, equity in property ownership, and technological innovations.
This lecture explores advanced topics in property law. Mortgages are legal agreements where borrowers pledge real property as security for loans. They include a promissory note and mortgage instrument, and come in types like fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, and interest-only. Foreclosure occurs when a borrower defaults, and key considerations include lien priority, deficiency judgments, and redemption rights Landlord-tenant law governs the relationship between property owners and renters, with tenancies like tenancy for years, periodic tenancy, tenancy at will, and tenancy at sufferance. Landlord obligations include the implied warranty of habitability, covenant of quiet enjoyment, and prompt response to repairs, while tenant obligations include paying rent, maintaining the property, and avoiding illegal activities. Disputes often arise, and many jurisdictions provide additional protections for tenants. Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind and includes patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. IP rights can be transferred or licensed, and enforcement often involves litigation. Emerging issues include AI's role in creation, globalization, digital rights management, and biotechnology patents. Environmental and natural resource law addresses the use and preservation of natural resources through regulatory frameworks like NEPA, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Natural resource management governs resource extraction, and policy debates focus on climate change, land use, and sustainable development. Property law evolves in response to societal changes, and key policy considerations include access to affordable housing, equity in property ownership, and technological innovations. Proposed reforms aim to expand tenant protections, encourage sustainable development, and strengthen anti-displacement policies.
Send us a textThis week on Gaston's Great, we're joined by Garrison Batchelor, Stormwater Administrator for the Town of Dallas, NC!
Animal aquaculture, the farming of fish, has outpaced the amount of wild-caught fish by tens of millions of metric tons each year, bringing with it negative environmental impacts and enabling abuse, says Carl Safina, an ecologist and author. On this episode of Mongabay's podcast, Safina speaks with co-host Rachel Donald about his recent Science Advances essay describing the “moral reckoning” that's required for the industry, pointing to environmental laws in the United States, which put hard limits on pollution, as examples to follow. “In the 1970s in the U.S., we had this enormous burst of environmental legislation. We got the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act … all of these things were not because somebody invented something new. It's because we felt differently about what was important,” he says. The global fishing industry also contributes to forced labor and other worker abuses, as revealed by whistleblowers and media outlets, including Mongabay. Read our award-winning 2022 investigation, which revealed systemic abuse of foreign workers by China's offshore tuna fleet. Like this podcast? Share it with a friend, and please leave a review. Subscribe to or follow the Mongabay Newscast wherever you listen to podcasts, from Apple to Spotify, and you can also listen to all episodes here on the Mongabay website or download our free app for Apple and Android devices to gain instant access to our latest episodes and all of our previous ones. Image caption: An Atlantic salmon. In the U.S., the Washington state legislature banned farming of Atlantic salmon in 2018. A state official banned all commercial finfish aquaculture. Alaska and California have similar bans. Image by Hans-Petter Fjeld via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5). --- Timecodes (00:00) Aquaculture and its impacts (15:32) How values shape environmental policy (32:56) The tragedy of the commons (35:52) Ecological empathy (45:07) Credits
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 8, 2024 is: galvanize GAL-vuh-nyze verb To galvanize people is to cause them to be so excited or concerned about something that they are driven to action. // The council's proposal to close the library has galvanized the town's residents. See the entry > Examples: “The original Earth Day was the product of a new environmental consciousness created by Rachel Carson's 1962 book, Silent Spring, and of public horror in 1969 that the Cuyahoga River in Ohio was so polluted it caught fire. … On April 22, 1970, some 20 million people attended thousands of events across America, and this galvanizing public demand led in short order to the creation, during Richard Nixon's presidency, of the Environmental Protection Agency (1970), the Clean Air Act (1970), the Clean Water Act (1972), and the Endangered Species Act (1973), and much more after that.” — Todd Stern, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2024 Did you know? Luigi Galvani was an Italian physician and physicist who, in the 1770s, studied the electrical nature of nerve impulses by applying electrical stimulation to frogs' leg muscles, causing them to contract. Although Galvani's theory that animal tissue contained an innate electrical impulse was disproven, the French word galvanisme came to refer to a current of electricity especially when produced by chemical action, while the verb galvaniser was used for the action of applying such a current (both words were apparently coined by German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, who modeled them after the French equivalents of magnetism and magnetize). In English, these words came to life as galvanism and galvanize, respectively. Today their primary senses are figurative: to galvanize a person or group is to spur them into action as if they've been jolted with electricity.
This podcast featuring Susan L. Stephens (Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.), Kim Diana Connolly (University at Buffalo School of Law, State University of New York), and Sarah P. Jarboe (English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP) provides a succinct summary of the history of federal regulation of wetlands under section 404 of the Clean Water Act, outlining the seminal Supreme Court decisions that steered the agency rulemaking and set the stage for the Sackett decision. The speakers delve into the Rapanos case and subsequent rulemaking, explaining how these developments informed the Supreme Court, led to multiple lawsuits across multiple states, and culminated in the Court's strongly-worded opinion in U.S. v. Sackett that virtually everyone agrees served to narrow the scope of federal jurisdiction over wetlands. Importantly, listeners will hear the latest updates in the litigation challenging the most recent agency rulemaking, how federal courts are interpreting Sackett across the country, and how federal agencies are handling requests for jurisdictional determinations under the regulatory regime that Sackett left in its wake. Tune in to hear their predictions on what comes next. For the latest jurisdictional announcements, visit https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/juris_info/. For more content from these speakers, get their book Wetlands Law and Policy: Understanding Section 404, Second Edition.
Emily Miller of Food and Water Watch joins us to talk about Food and Water Watch v EPA, which involves the Clean Water Act and why, when it comes to one particular industry (guess which one!), it is so ineffective in guarding our water from being polluted with outright filth. Whether it comes to the failure to require factory farms to…
Today's West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy Podcast for our especially special Daily Special, Blue Moon Spirits Fridays, is now available on the Spreaker Player!Starting off in the Bistro Cafe, while Durbin and Schumer caved to MAGA, President Biden continues to quietly lay the roadblocks to protect America from Trump.Then, on the rest of the menu, Georgia's top health official dismissed all members of a state committee that investigates pregnancy-related maternal deaths after their investigation revealed that scores of women were dying from the state's abortion ban; the executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections wants a powerful MAGA legislator to retract a comment suggesting ballot results were being manipulated, saying it is already leading to threats against local election workers; and, Texas-based oil company Phillips 66 has been federally indicted in connection with severe violations of the Clean Water Act in California.After the break, we move to the Chef's Table where British and French authorities have opened a probe into France-based defense group Thales for bribery and corruption; and, US intelligence officials warned American defense companies to increase security precautions following several acts of sabotage in Europe by Russia.All that and more, on West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy with Chef de Cuisine Justice Putnam.Bon Appétit!The Netroots Radio Live PlayerKeep Your Resistance Radio Beaming 24/7/365!“Structural linguistics is a bitterly divided and unhappy profession, and a large number of its practitioners spend many nights drowning their sorrows in Ouisghian Zodahs.” - Douglas Adams"The Restaurant at the End of the Universe"Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-coast-cookbook-speakeasy--2802999/support.
Rain will make its way to Southern California this weekend. Voters pass Proposition 34, accepting new rules restricting how health care providers spend money. Phillips 66 faces federal charges for allegedly dumping wastewater into L.A.'s sewer system. Plus, more. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comSupport the show: https://laist.com
Friday on AOA, powered by Cenex, we start the show by welcoming Chip Nellinger of Blue Reef Agri-Marketing to the show as we take a look at this week's market action in Segment One. Next up in Segment Two, we hear about the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol's fourth Annual Report titled Transparency in Action with their Program Manager, Tillman White. Then in Segment Three, we head back to the NAFB Convention and hear a conversation about WOTUS and various Clean Water Act issues updates with Courtney Briggs, Senior Director of Government Affairs at the American Farm Bureau Federation. We close the show in Segment Four with an update from activity this week on Capitol Hill with Jerry Hagstrom of The Hagstrom Report.
In this episode, Rob welcomes back Mathew Todaro, a partner at Verrill Law who defends and negotiates on behalf of his clients under statutes such as the Clean Water Act, EPCRA, and FIFRA, with a particular focus on Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act. Today, Rob and Mat give listeners a crash course on the EPA's Risk Management Plan (RMP) Rule. They cover applicability, the three program levels, the components and requirements of RMP, and touch on some recent RMP rule changes. Be sure to check out Mat's previous appearances on our show at the links below: Episode 25 - After the EPA Inspector Leaves with Guest Mathew Todaro Episode 35 - Environmental Compliance Audits with Guest Mathew Todaro Episode 52 - EPA's General Duty Clause with Guest Mathew Todaro Episode 56 - Implementing EPA's General Duty Clause (GDC) (Does not feature Mat, but is a companion episode to #52) Episode 106 - EPA's National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives with Guest Mathew Todaro Connect with Mat on LinkedIn here.
How do we bridge political divides to protect the places that matter most? In episode 139 Roberta Swann, Director of the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, shares her experience uniting diverse constituencies to safeguard Mobile Bay and Alabama's rich ecosystems—even in a traditionally conservative state. In this episode, Roberta explains how a program originally created by Congress through the Clean Water Act has become a model of bipartisan support for environmental work. Today, Mobile Bay's success isn't just measured by ecological impact but by the variety of stakeholders working together, from local government funding to community and industry voices. Tune in as we discuss how to set aside differences by finding common ground in environmental priorities, why Alabama's biodiversity is unmatched, and how nature itself provides the blueprint for resilience in estuaries like Mobile Bay. Thank you to the Sun Valley Forum for sponsoring this season of Conservation Connection! Each interview this season was recorded live during the forum in July of 2024! If you'd like to learn more about the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, click here! Conservation Connection would not be possible without the incredible support we receive from our listeners. If you'd like to support our podcast, you can donate or check out the merch store on our website, ConservationConnection.co
This Day in Legal History: FDR Wins Fourth TermOn November 7, 1944, Franklin D. Roosevelt won an unprecedented fourth term as President of the United States, solidifying his role as a defining leader during one of the nation's most challenging periods. First elected in 1932, Roosevelt took office at the height of the Great Depression and implemented the New Deal to revive the struggling economy. By the time of his fourth election, the U.S. was fully engaged in World War II, and Roosevelt's leadership was seen as essential to the Allied victory effort.Roosevelt's extended presidency was unprecedented, breaking the tradition set by George Washington, who had voluntarily stepped down after two terms. This decision was widely respected and had shaped a long-standing convention against extended presidential terms. However, in the face of ongoing economic and wartime crises, the American public continued to support Roosevelt, viewing his experience and policies as critical to both domestic stability and success in the war.Following Roosevelt's death in 1945, concerns about the concentration of executive power led to a renewed call for term limits. In 1947, Congress passed the 22nd Amendment, which formally restricted presidents to two terms. The amendment was ratified in 1951, ensuring that no future president could serve more than two elected terms, thus establishing a constitutional limit that balanced continuity with the democratic value of regular leadership change. Roosevelt's historic fourth term not only marked a unique era in American leadership but also reshaped the structure of presidential power in the United States.With a new Trump administration expected in January, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is likely to roll back numerous Biden-era regulations. Trump is expected to remove current CFPB Director Rohit Chopra, leading to a reduction in the agency's focus on ambitious rulemaking. Instead, the CFPB will likely concentrate on traditional oversight and enforcement, targeting only major infractions. Most regulations established under Chopra, such as credit card late fee caps and demographic data collection for small business loans, face potential repeal or weakening, especially as many are already tied up in legal challenges. The CFPB and trade groups may agree to pause these litigations while the agency revisits the contested rules.One regulation with bipartisan support that may endure is the recent open banking rule, which allows consumers to securely share financial data with fintech firms and other banks. Although it faces legal challenges, this rule could survive due to broader Republican interest in data privacy and open banking. Under Trump's leadership, the CFPB is also unlikely to continue issuing informal guidance and circulars affecting sectors like "buy now, pay later" services without formal rulemaking.Trump Team Set to Roll Back Chopra's Credit Card, Banking RulesA second Trump administration may significantly reshape U.S. water regulations, particularly targeting Biden-era protections. Expected changes include repealing or revising key EPA rules under the Clean Water Act and rolling back protections for wetlands, PFAS substances, and state oversight over water pollution. Legal experts predict that Trump's team could rely on the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, which suggests undoing the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule, limiting state veto power under Section 401, and revisiting PFAS regulations. The Biden administration's updated WOTUS rule, developed in response to a 2023 Supreme Court ruling, is already under legal challenge and may be replaced with Trump's previous rule, potentially narrowing federal jurisdiction over wetlands.Additionally, Biden's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), mandating lead pipe removal by 2027, could be at risk. The administration is also likely to limit federal involvement in water regulation, possibly expanding state control over Section 404 permitting, which governs dredge-and-fill activities in waters. While some states support stricter PFAS standards due to health risks, budget constraints could hinder state-led water protection initiatives if federal support declines. However, rolling back PFAS drinking water standards, finalized this year, could be complex due to the regulatory and public health controversies involved.Biden Clean Water Rules Vulnerable in New Trump AdministrationRudy Giuliani is set to appear in a Manhattan court following accusations that he ignored a court order to surrender property, including his luxury Manhattan apartment, to two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea “Shaye” Moss. A U.S. judge had mandated that Giuliani turn over assets by Oct. 29 to partially satisfy a $148 million judgment awarded to the pair after a jury found he defamed them by falsely accusing them of election interference in 2020. Despite Giuliani's claims of cooperation, Freeman and Moss's lawyer argued he has delayed the process, noting that Giuliani's apartment has been largely emptied. Judge Lewis Liman denied Giuliani's request to participate in a Florida radio broadcast instead of attending court and has scheduled an in-person hearing to assess compliance with the property handover.The court action follows Giuliani's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, which a judge dismissed after determining Giuliani withheld financial information, leaving him vulnerable to creditors. Giuliani, who has been disbarred in New York and faces criminal charges for his role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, plans to attend the hearing, with his lawyer asserting that Freeman and Moss, not Giuliani, are responsible for delays in the asset transfer process.Giuliani to appear in court as election workers demand his property | ReutersIn my column for Bloomberg this week, I argue that the U.S. urgently needs to reform its R&D tax policies to better support innovation. Historically, Section 174 of the tax code allowed businesses to immediately deduct research and development expenses, offering a cash flow benefit that encouraged reinvestment in further R&D. However, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) changed this by mandating that companies amortize these expenses over five years starting in 2022. This shift has significantly reduced the immediate value of R&D tax benefits, leading to a substantial drop in R&D investment.The change has also raised effective tax rates for companies focused on innovation, particularly in critical sectors like technology and pharmaceuticals, thus weakening the U.S. competitive edge. Meanwhile, other nations, such as the UK and China, have implemented more generous R&D incentives, putting the U.S. at a disadvantage globally.To address this, I propose restoring immediate expensing under Section 174 and introducing a "patent box" system, which would apply a reduced tax rate to profits derived from intellectual property. This approach could both increase R&D investment and encourage domestic commercialization of innovations. By combining immediate expensing with sector-specific patent box incentives, we could reinvigorate U.S. innovation and enhance our competitiveness on the world stage.R&D Tax Expensing Is Broken, But Changing Some Rules Can Fix It This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
The Surfrider Foundation has made a significant positive impact over its 40-year history, evolving from a grassroots organization focused on protecting surf spots to a powerful advocate for ocean and coastal conservation. Here are some key highlights of its achievements: Grassroots Mobilization: Surfrider has built a network of over 200 chapters and more than 100,000 volunteers across the U.S. and beyond. This grassroots model empowers local communities to address specific environmental issues, fostering a sense of belonging and collective action among volunteers. Major Legal Wins: The organization has successfully fought for stronger environmental protections, including a landmark Clean Water Act lawsuit that reached the Supreme Court, reinforcing the Act's reach and effectiveness. This case highlighted the connection between wastewater treatment and coral reef health, showcasing Surfrider's commitment to clean water. Legislative Achievements: Surfrider played a crucial role in passing the Beach Act, which standardized and funded water quality monitoring across the country. This legislation ensures that beachgoers are informed about water safety, akin to health grades for restaurants. Community Engagement: Surfrider has effectively engaged communities in conservation efforts, such as beach cleanups and the Ocean-Friendly Restaurants program, which encourages local eateries to reduce single-use plastics. These initiatives not only improve local environments but also educate the public about sustainable practices. Coalition Building: The organization has successfully collaborated with various stakeholders to oppose harmful policies, such as offshore drilling initiatives during the Trump administration. By mobilizing local communities and making economic arguments for preserving coastal resources, Surfrider has demonstrated the power of collective action. Innovative Programs: Surfrider has developed numerous programs focused on clean water, beach access, plastic pollution, climate resilience, and ocean conservation. These initiatives are tailored to local needs, allowing chapters to address the unique challenges faced by their communities. Training and Support: The foundation invests in training and resources for its volunteers, ensuring they are well-equipped to advocate for their local environments. This support fosters a knowledgeable and passionate network of activists dedicated to ocean protection. Overall, the Surfrider Foundation's 40 years of advocacy, community engagement, and grassroots mobilization have led to significant environmental victories and a stronger, more connected community of ocean advocates. Volunteer for Surfrider: https://volunteer.surfrider.org/ Website: https://www.surfrider.org/ Follow a career in conservation: https://www.conservation-careers.com/online-training/ Use the code SUFB to get 33% off courses and the careers program. Do you want to join my Ocean Community? Sign Up for Updates on the process: www.speakupforblue.com/oceanapp Sign up for our Newsletter: http://www.speakupforblue.com/newsletter Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
A case in which the Court will decide whether the Clean Water Act allows the Environmental Protection Agency (or an authorized state) to impose generic prohibitions in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits that subject permit-holders to enforcement for violating water quality standards without identifying specific limits to which their discharges must conform.
Environmental Law: Does the Clean Water Act allows EPA (or an authorized state) to impose generic prohibitions in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits? - Argued: Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:49:39 EDT
Each month, a panel of constitutional experts convenes to discuss the Court’s upcoming docket sitting by sitting. The cases covered in this preview are listed below.Royal Canin U.S.A. v. Wullschleger, (October 7) -Federalism & Separation of Powers; Whether a post-removal amendment of a complaint to omit federal questions defeats federal-question subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331; and (2) whether such a post-removal amendment of a complaint precludes a district court from exercising supplemental jurisdiction over the plaintiff’s remaining state-law claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1367.Williams v. Washington, (October 7) -Federalism & Separation of Powers; Whether exhaustion of state administrative remedies is required to bring claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in state court.Garland v. VanDerStok, (October 8) -Second Amendment; Whether “a weapon parts kit that is designed to or may readily be completed, assembled, restored, or otherwise converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive” under 27 C.F.R. § 478.11 is a “firearm” regulated by the Gun Control Act of 1968; and (2) whether “a partially complete, disassembled, or nonfunctional frame or receiver” that is “designed to or may readily be completed, assembled, restored, or otherwise converted to function as a frame or receiver” under 27 C.F.R. § 478.12(c) is a “frame or receiver” regulated by the act.Lackey v. Stinnie, (October 8) -Civil Procedure; (1) Whether a party must obtain a ruling that conclusively decides the merits in its favor, as opposed to merely predicting a likelihood of later success, to prevail on the merits under 42 U.S.C. § 1988; and (2) whether a party must obtain an enduring change in the parties’ legal relationship from a judicial act, as opposed to a non-judicial event that moots the case, to prevail under Section 1988.Glossip v. Oklahoma, (October 9) -Criminal Law; (1) Whether the state’s suppression of the key prosecution witness’ admission that he was under the care of a psychiatrist and failure to correct that witness’ false testimony about that care and related diagnosis violate the due process of law under Brady v. Maryland and Napue v. Illinois; (2) whether the entirety of the suppressed evidence must be considered when assessing the materiality of Brady and Napue claims; (3) whether due process of law requires reversal where a capital conviction is so infected with errors that the state no longer seeks to defend it; and (4) whether the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals' holding that the Oklahoma Post-Conviction Procedure Act precluded post-conviction relief is an adequate and independent state-law ground for the judgment.Bouarfa v. Mayorkas, (October 15), -Immigration; Whether a visa petitioner may obtain judicial review when an approved petition is revoked on the basis of nondiscretionary criteria.Medical Marijuana v. Horn, October 15 -Criminal Law; Whether economic harms resulting from personal injuries are injuries to “business or property by reason of” the defendant’s acts for purposes of a civil treble-damages action under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.City and County of San Francisco v. Environmental Protection Agency, (October 16) -Environmental Law & Regulation; Whether the Clean Water Act allows the Environmental Protection Agency (or an authorized state) to impose generic prohibitions in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits that subject permit-holders to enforcement for violating water quality standards without identifying specific limits to which their discharges must conform.Bufkin v. McDonough, (October 16) -Vetrans Affairs; Whether the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims must ensure that the benefit-of-the-doubt rule in 38 U.S.C. § 5107(b) was properly applied during the claims process in order to satisfy 38 U.S.C. § 7261(b)(1), which directs the court to “take due account” of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ application of that rule.Featuring:James S. Burling, Vice President of Litigation, Pacific Legal FoundationJohn Masslon, Senior Litigation Counsel, Washington Legal FoundationMatthew Rice, Solicitor General, Tennessee Attorney General's OfficeZack Smith, Legal Fellow and Manager, Supreme Court and Appellate Advocacy Program, The Heritage Foundation(Moderator) Kirby T. West, Attorney, Institute of Justice
Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield's Senior Research Director Greg Goodwin to explore the upcoming Supreme Court case: City and County of San Francisco v. Environmental Protection Agency. The outcome of this case could reshape the balance of regulatory authority between federal and state governments, with major implications for water quality standards across the U.S. The case centers on San Francisco's challenge to the EPA's authority under the Clean Water Act, particularly its use of vague discharge rules that lack clear numerical limits. San Francisco argues that the EPA's reliance on generic prohibitions without quantifiable limits makes compliance difficult and could result in up to US$10 billion in additional capital expenditures. On the other side, thirteen Attorneys General for Democratically governed states are urging the Court to preserve the EPA's authority to set “narrative” limits, supported by scientists who claim that narrative-based limitations can be more effective in certain cases, such as nutrient discharges, by allowing more flexibility for the permit holder. Reese and Greg dive into six key questions: What is the significance of the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on the EPA and water regulations? How does the case challenge the Clean Water Act? What are the potential legal implications for cities and industries if the Supreme Court limits the EPA's regulatory power? How does this Supreme Court case tie into broader regulatory shifts in the water sector, especially with the 2024 elections on the horizon? What impact could a decision in favor of San Francisco have on national water policies? How this case connects to broader concerns in the water industry, such as PFAS and lead service line replacement? If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven't already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen. If you'd like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday. Related Research & Analysis: U.K. Water Utilities' Road to AMP8: Proposed Business Plans and Regulator's Review 2024 U.S. Elections: Implications for the Water Industry
During October, we are focusing on climate change and climate change policies. While I am not a single-issue voter, aligning who I vote for, no matter the office, with my values is important. As someone who cares deeply about the planet, climate policies greatly influence how I choose to cast my vote. So, this month, we will be hearing from experts nationwide who specialize in different aspects of climate change action and policies. Be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay updated on the latest climate discussion each week this month. In episode 152 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we kick off our climate month by looking at the intersection of climate policy and everyday life. We discuss why strong climate policies are essential for the future of the United States, touching on their impact on both the environment and the economy. To help lead this timely discussion, I am excited to introduce Kate Gaertner. Kate has 25 years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience in corporate sustainability. As the founder and CEO of TripleWin Advisory LLC, she specializes in GHG inventories, TCFD analyses, supply chain mapping, and developing company sustainability roadmaps. Kate has held roles in digital marketing at XM Satellite Radio and Time Inc., consulted for Fortune 500 companies, founded a sustainable activewear brand, and served as an adjunct professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is the Board Chair of XXcelerate, supporting women-led businesses, and advises the Loopt Foundation on zero waste goals in manufacturing. A leading sustainability expert, Kate is a sought-after speaker and opinion writer featured in top publications. She hosts a monthly sustainability column for Portland's Star-News and is the author of "Planting a Seed: 3 Simple Steps to Sustainable Living." Kate holds a Master's in Sustainable Management, an MBA from Wharton, and a degree from Dartmouth College. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/ WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalist ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book LISTENER SURVEY: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976 ----------------- Kate Gaertner Website: https://kategaertner.com/ Book: https://kategaertner.com/book LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-gaertner-935478/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kategaertner/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kate.gaertner/ ----------------- Episode Resources Clean Air Act: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean-air-act Clean Water Act: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean-water-act Silent Spring Book: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/story-silent-spring Climate Reality Project: https://www.climaterealityproject.org/ 350.org Environmental Entrepreneurs: https://e2.org/ vote411.org/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/outdoor-minimalist/support
We're making it easy for you to judge the job performances of your members of Congress! In this episode, Jen tells you about a list of single issue votes that were taken in the House and Senate during the 118th Congress. Most importantly, we gave you all the information you need to find your members' voting records in this episode's show notes. You can find your 2024 Congressional Election Study guide in the episode 301 show notes on www.congressionaldish.com. Happy voting! Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Donation@congressionaldish.com Use your bank's online bill pay function to mail contributions to: Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Enacted Laws Congressional Dish Episode: ← find how your Representative voted here ← find how your Senator voted here Effects of H.R. 7888: Expands the number of people allowed to be legally spied on by the U.S. government and the number of people with information stored in the FISA database (which has information about Americans whose data has been collected along with information about foreigners). It does so by… Giving the Department of Justice (DOJ) permission to search the FISA database to vet foreigners who are applying for tourist visas to visit the United States and Expanding the definition of ‘foreign intelligence' to include counter narcotics targets. Expands the number of companies who get legal immunity for turning our information over to the government by expanding the definition of “electronic communications service provider”. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is no longer legally allowed to search the FISA database solely to find evidence of a crime. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is prohibited from using uncorroborated information from political groups or anonymous sources in press reports to get FISA warrants. Limits the number of people within the government who are allowed to search through the database. Background Sources for H.R. 7888: INTEL.gov. Michael Horowitz. April 27, 2023. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General. Jonathan Turley. December 14, 2019. The Hill. Conor Clarke. February 2014. Stanford Law Review. “The Biggs Amendment” to H.R. 7888 [failed] ← find how your Representative voted here Intended Effect of the Biggs Amendment: Would require U.S. government officials to get a warrant before searching through the FISA database for information about U.S. citizens or companies, with emergency exceptions. Congressional Dish Episode: ← find how your Representative voted here Effects of H.R. 7521: It is now illegal for companies to provide internet hosting services, distribute, and/or update “foreign adversary controlled applications”, websites, or games, which are partially owned by a foreign person and are determined by the President - with no proof required - to pose “a significant threat to the national security of the United States.” Establishes a process that allows companies to host, distribute, and/or update if the app, website, or game changes ownership. If companies host, distribute, and/or update the targeted apps, websites, or games, the companies are subject to fines that - depending on the user base of the targeted app, website, or game - can be hundreds of billions of dollars. ← find how your Representative voted here Intended Effects of H.R. 8034: Provide almost $26 billion to Israel. 64% of the money would be for war expenses 35% of the money would be for humanitarian purposes Less than 1% of the money would be for diplomatic expenses Provide $400 million for FEMA Background Sources for H.R. 8034: April 17, 2024. Al Jazeera. Fatima Al-Kassab. January 26, 2024. NPR. ← find how your Representative voted here Intended Effects of H.R. 8035: Provide over $60 billion for Ukraine (and other neighboring countries) 83% of the money would be for war expenses 16.5% of the money would be for humanitarian expenses Less than 0.5% of the money would be for diplomatic expenses Provide $341 million for production of nuclear weapons materials and nuclear nonproliferation programs House Bills ← find how your Representative voted here Intended Effects of H.R. 7023: Double the length of permits to discharge pollutants in waterways from 5 years to 10 years Removes the EPA administrators ability to prohibit discharges in specific disposal sites if he determines that the discharge of materials will have an unacceptable adverse effect on municipal water supplies, shellfish beds and fishery areas, wildlife, or recreational areas after a disposal permit has been issued. Creates nationwide permits to allow for transmission projects for people, water, wastewater, carbon dioxide, fuel, and oil and gas pipelines that do not result in a “loss greater than 1/2 acre of waters of the United States for each single and complete project” In reissuing these nationwide permits, the EPA would not be required to consult with a state nor any other Federal agency and these permits will get to short cut environmental assessments that are required by the National Environmental Policy Act. Limits judicial review Puts a 60 day time limit after the permit is issued for a judicial review Doesn't allow anyone who didn't file a comment during the public comment period to file a lawsuit. If someone did file a comment, they may not file a lawsuit about anything that they didn't address in their comment. Prohibits the court from vacating, revoking, or limiting the permit unless the court finds that the activities authorized “present an imminent and substantial danger to human health or the environment for which there is not other equitable remedy available under the law' Approves an end-of-Trump administration EPA approval for Florida to administer Clean Water Act permitting. Background Sources for H.R. 7023: Becky Bohrer and Patrick Whittle. January 31, 2023. PBS News. July 19, 2016. Earthjustice. Earthjustice. ← find how your Representative voted here Intended Effects of H.R. 1435: Prohibit states from banning fossil fuel burning internal combustion engines in cars and trucks. Effectively revokes the EPA waiver that allows California to ban the sale of fossil fuel burning cars. Background Sources for H.R. 1435: Jeff St. John. September 23, 2020. Greentech Media. ← find how your Representative voted here Intended effects of H.R. 7176: Give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission the “exclusive authority” to approve or deny applications to export natural gas from the United States to a foreign country, which eliminates requirements for Department of Energy approval and provisions to address free trade agreements. Deems exportation or importation of natural gas to be in the public interest. Background Sources for H.R. 7176: September 26, 2024. National Drought Mitigation Center. Zachary-Taylor Wright. September 17, 2024. MySA. Steven Santana. July 23, 2024. MySA. ← find how your Representative voted here Intended Effects of H.R. 6543: Requires providers of short term lodging (hotels and AirBnBs) and Internet platforms that advertise and sell short term lodging to display the total price including all mandatory fees, except for government taxes and fees. ← find how your Representative voted here Intended Effects of H.R. 3950: Requires ticket issuers and secondary market ticket issuers to clearly display the total ticket price, including all fees, at the time the ticket price is first displayed and provides an itemized list of charges before the ticket purchasing process is complete. Prohibits ticket issuers and secondary market ticket issuers from selling tickets that they do not physically possess at the time of sale. Prohibits secondary ticket issuers from using the word ‘official' or similar words implying a partnership in their marketing and search engine wording unless they have the consent of the venue, team, or artist. Requires ticket issuers to provide a refund or a similar ticket to a rescheduled event, with the approval of the customer, if an event is canceled or postponed (except for in case of a natural disaster or other event beyond the ticket issuer's control). ← find how your Representative voted here Intended Effects of H.R. 4639: Prohibits law enforcement or the intelligence community from buying customer or subscriber information directly from companies or from data brokers. Any information “illegitimately obtained” is not allowed to be used against us in court. Has exceptions for FISA surveillance of foreigners. Limits immunity for companies that comply with surveillance orders and do not stop the surveillance when a court order is denied. Background Sources for H.R. 4639: Carly Page. July 18, 2022. TechCrunch. Senior Advisory Group Panel on Commercially Available Information. January 27, 2022. Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Byron Tau. June 19, 2020. The Wall Street Journal. Senate Bills ← find how your Senator voted here Intended Effects of S. 316: Repeal the authorizations for US military operations in Iraq that were passed in 1991 and 2002. Background Sources for S. 316: Meghann Myers. January 25, 2024. Military Times. ← find how your Senator voted here Intended Effects of S. 4072: To prevent the enforcement of the , which would set stricter standards for fossil fuel burning cars and trucks that would be phased in between model year 2027 and 2032. Prohibits enforcement of any similar rule that could be written in the future. The standards could be met via the production of cleaner fossil fuel powered vehicles, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles. EPA estimates the air pollution reductions would provide ~$13 billion in reduced annual health care costs by preventing the emission of thousands of tons of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. EPA estimates the new standards would save Americans $46 billion per year in fuel costs and $16 billion per year due to reduced maintenance and repair costs for drivers, totaling ~$6,000 over the course of a new vehicle's lifetime. ← find how your Senator voted here Intended Effects of S. 4445: Guarantees an individual's rights to receive fertility treatment, make decisions regarding the donation, use, storage, and disposal of oocytes, sperm, fertilized eggs and embryos, and enter contracts with health care providers to enact those decisions. Guarantees a health provider's right to provide fertility treatments and provide for testing, use, storage, shipping, and disposal of genetic material including oocytes, sperm, fertilized eggs, and embryos. Guarantees a health insurance provider's right to cover fertility treatments. Guarantees a manufacturer's right to manufacture, import, market, sell, and distribute drugs and devices that are used for fertility treatments. Allows lawsuits against any State or individual who interferes with the right to fertility treatments by the Attorney General, health care providers, and individuals adversely affected. This would supersede any State law regardless of when it was enacted and prohibits enforcement of any state law that is in conflict with these rights. Requires the Department of Defense to provide fertility treatments (specifically three egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers) to active duty military members and their spouses. Requires health plans, Medicaid, and Medicare that cover obstetrical (child birth related) services to also provide coverage for fertility treatments. Background sources for S. 4445: Maya C. Miller. September 17, 2024. The New York Times. Alander Rocha. April 3, 2024. Alabama Reflector. Alander Rocha. February 19, 2024. Alabama Reflector. Audio Sources March 21, 2024 Clips Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA): My colleagues have criticized EPA's use of its Clean Water Act review or veto authority. Yet, the record shows EPA's use of this authority has been consistent with congressional intent. I see no reason for removing this authority. Since enactment of the Clean Water Act in 1972, EPA has only exercised this authority 14 times—most recently in relation to large-scale mining proposals in Alaska and West Virginia. EPA's use of this authority has, in fact, been bipartisan. EPA used it 2 times during Democratic administrations and 12 times during Republican administrations. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO): This bill will cut red tape, strengthen the permitting process in favor of those seeking the permits, provide clarity to the EPA to ensure that they are following what the law intends, and, most importantly, fight back against the militant climate agenda. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO): Our court system is already being attacked from every angle. Let's not let the environmentalists continue to manipulate the courts to push their climate religion. It should be an efficient and speedy process so businesses can build the infrastructure that our country depends on. Rep. David Rouser (R-NC): Mr. Chairman, in closing, I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill, which provides energy predictability and certainty that our utilities, energy, manufacturing, and agricultural industries need to succeed, which are so critical to American greatness in energy, food production, and the manufacturing necessary to improve the standard of living of every American. That is what this is about, Mr. Chairman. Music by Editing Production Assistance
Vermont's state government is falling short in its regulation of water quality on farms according the the federal government. The EPA found that state regulators aren't enforcing the Clean Water Act because they're not communicating clearly with farmers. Vermont Public's climate and environment reporter Abagael Giles has been following the situation and fills us in on the details. We're joined by David Cash, a regional administrator for the EPA, who oversees the northeast region, Julie Moore, secretary of Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources, and Jon Groveman with the Vermont Natural Resources Council where he serves as the policy and water program director.Broadcast live on Monday, September 16, 2024, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.Have questions, comments, or tips? Send us a message or check us out on Instagram.
In this episode, Dr. Julie Dean Richards shares her personal experience navigating the mainstream medical system while understanding her legal rights and bodily autonomy. She discusses her son's sudden illness, their hospital stay, and the challenges she faced as a legal professional and researcher. Julie emphasizes the importance of establishing authority, building rapport with healthcare providers, and knowing how to effectively communicate and advocate for oneself. She also highlights the value of seeking support from one's tribe, conducting research, and utilizing resources such as university libraries and legal hotlines. Julie concludes by discussing the significance of informed decision-making and the importance of knowing when to transfer care or seek legal assistance. In this conversation, Julie also discusses the Missouri v. Biden (Murthy v. Missouri) case, which involves allegations of the government coercing social media platforms to censor speech. The Supreme Court ruled that the plaintiffs did not have standing in the case, but a separate case involving RFK Jr. and others suing Meta (formerly Facebook) for censorship is ongoing. Julie also touches on the topic of chemtrails and the Clean Water Act, highlighting the issue of non-point source pollution and the impact of cloud seeding on water and air quality.Key Takeaways:Establishing authority and mutual respect when interacting with healthcare providers is crucial for effective communication and advocacy.Seeking support from one's tribe and conducting research can provide valuable information and resources.Utilizing university libraries, research librarians, and legal hotlines can help navigate legal and medical issues.Knowing when to transfer care or seek legal assistance is important for ensuring the best possible outcomes.Informed decision-making and understanding one's rights and options are key in navigating the mainstream medical system. The Supreme Court ruled that the plaintiffs in the Missouri v. Biden case did not have standing, but a separate case involving RFK Jr. and others suing Meta for censorship is ongoing.The case raises concerns about the government's ability to coerce social media platforms to censor speech, potentially impacting free speech rights.Chemtrails, or cloud seeding, is acknowledged in the Clean Water Act as a form of non-point source pollution that can introduce toxins into the environment.Awareness and advocacy are important in addressing issues related to government coercion, censorship, and environmental pollution.Find Julie HERE. Find Julie on Instagram HERE.
Maumee, Ohio, winner of the 2024 Strongest Town Contest, is facing a big sewer infrastructure challenge. It needs to update its sewer system to comply with EPA regulations — an extremely large, expensive project. To handle this problem, the city is requiring residents who want to sell their homes to pay for the needed updates to their sewage systems, which is generating backlash from residents. In this episode of the Strong Towns Podcast, Chuck explains the history of sewer infrastructure, how the Clean Water Act affects cities and the very limited options that cities have to handle this kind of challenge. He also points out that the Strongest Town Contest is about celebrating cities that are working hard to improve, rather than finding cities that are perfect. Just because Maumee is facing this challenge does not mean that it's a failure — and it's not alone in this struggle, either. All cities are either facing this challenge, too, or will be facing it in the near future. That's the consequence of decades of unproductive growth. ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES Chuck Marohn (Twitter/X). Become a member.
When you hear the word "river," you probably picture a majestic body of water flowing through a natural habitat. Well, the LA River looks nothing like that. Most people who see it probably mistake it for a giant storm drain. It's a deep trapezoidal channel with steep concrete walls, and a flat concrete bottom. Los Angeles was founded around this river. But decades ago it was confined in concrete so that, for better or worse, the city could become the sprawling metropolis that it is today. All these years later the county is still grappling with the consequences of those actions.A River Runs Through Los Angeles
It's Hump Day! Sam and Emma speak with Randall Eliason, white collar crime professor at George Washington University Law School and author of the Sidebars newsletter, to discuss the recent developments in all of Trump's criminal cases. First, they run through updates on Israel's mass slaughter of civilians in Rafah, failing US aid to Gaza, the Texas GOP, Biden's nomination for President, South African politics, Alito's absurd alibi, and the future of the Clean Water Act, before watching John Kirby claim offense over an incredibly reasonable question that happens to acknowledge the horrors occurring in Gaza. Professor Randall Eliason then joins, as he dives right into a summary of the central arguments on either side of Trump's ongoing hush money case, parsing particularly through Trump's Defense's decision to step away from the incredibly viable route of undermining the “proof of intent” in Trump's payments to Michael Cohen, instead going all in on the Trumpian route of character assassinations against Stormy Daniels and Cohen, and relying on claims that these were legitimate legal expenses (they weren't). Next, Professor Eliason explores the concept of the broader fraud arguments Alvin Bragg's prosecution could have used against Donald Trump, before wrapping up their Hush Money conversation by assessing the impact of a hung jury on the future of the case. Randall then looks to Trump's January 6th case, and Jack Smith's special council indictment as the second most likely case to be heard before November, and tackles Judge Aileen Cannon's successful attempts to slow-walk the “Stolen Documents” case in Florida, before wrapping up the interview with the Supreme Court's role in Trump's various legal woes, and whether the recent charges against Alito will have any impact on the Court. Sam and Emma also examine the major holes in Justice Alito's recent attempt to shirk responsibility for hoisting various blatantly anti-Democratic and conspiratorial flags at his house. And in the Fun Half: Sam and Emma watch Donald Trump Jr. call out notorious grifter… Robert De Niro? walk through major issues around polling and turnout as November's presidential election draws near, and parse through Tim Pool's warning to teenage women that if they don't try to fuck him, they'll be single forever. They also dive into Samuel Alito's refusal to recuse himself from the Trump case in the wake of the Justice's January 6th flag waving, American Airlines' stunning display of racial discrimination, and RFK's claim that US history, in the context of confederate statues, should be celebrated and protected. Seinfeld goes full latte liberal (or a frappé fascist perhaps), plus, your calls and IMs! Check out "Sidebars" here: https://www.sidebarsblog.com/ Check out this video from Public Citizen here: https://x.com/Public_Citizen/status/1795792636302729682 Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Find our Rumble stream here!: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Join Sam on the Nation Magazine Cruise! 7 days in December 2024!!: https://nationcruise.com/mr/ Check out the "Repair Gaza" campaign courtesy of the Glia Project here: https://www.launchgood.com/campaign/rebuild_gaza_help_repair_and_rebuild_the_lives_and_work_of_our_glia_team#!/ Check out StrikeAid here!; https://strikeaid.com/ Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! http://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: http://majority.fm/app Check out today's sponsors: HelloFresh: Go to https://HelloFresh.com/majoritysweet for FREE dessert for life! One dessert item per box while subscription is active. That's free dessert for life at https://HelloFresh.com/majoritysweet. Neoplants: Go to https://neoplants.com/majority to get your 7th sachet of Power Drops free of charge at checkout (note: you must use this link for the discount to apply - look out for the free product that will be automatically added to your cart). Thanks to Neoplants for sponsoring today's video! Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech @BradKAlsop Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on Youtube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com/ The Majority Report with Sam Seder - https://majorityreportradio.com/