Podcast appearances and mentions of Nick Collins

Forever chemicals are everywhere — in your carpet, your cookware, your cosmetics, and increasingly, your drinking water. PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — have been building up in our environment, our water, and our bodies for decades. And while federal regulatory momentum on forever chemicals is stalling, states are moving in the opposite direction. In this episode of People Places Planet, we sit down with Secretary Jim Kenney, General Counsel Zachary Ogaz, and Assistant General Counsel Greg Smithkier from the New Mexico Environment Department to break down what PFAS are, why they're so difficult to eliminate, and what state-level action actually looks like in practice.They walk us through New Mexico's multi-pronged PFAS strategy: listing aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) as a hazardous waste, phasing out PFAS-containing consumer products, and implementing the country's first-ever consumer product labeling icon for intentionally added PFAS. They also discuss the state's ongoing litigation against the Department of Defense over PFAS contamination at Cannon Air Force Base.New Mexico has emerged as a national leader on PFAS action, and this conversation reveals exactly how — and why it matters for every state. With EPA rolling back MCLs and retreating from class-based regulation, the episode raises a broader question: can a patchwork of state policies produce national standards? And, at what cost to states already stretched thin on resources and scientific capacity?Also, be sure to check out ELI's recent report Current Trends in Toxics Litigation for more information on PFAS litigation trends.What are PFAS, what risks do they pose, and where can they be found? (01:38)PFAS regulation at the State and Federal level (10:13)New Mexico's PFAS playbook: hazardous waste listing, phase-outs, and labeling (14:42)Litigation and the Cannon Air Force Base case (26:46)New Mexico's PFAS conversation in DC (35:11)What's next: federal science, state capacity, and closing thoughts (40:06) ★ Support this podcast ★

An uptick in cheap aluminium extrusion imports could be hurting local manufacturers. The Government's looking into global safeguards after imports of products, like those made here, surged 30% in the first four months of the year compared to last year. Aluminium Extruders Association chief executive Nick Collins told Heather du Plessis-Allan the US and the EU have tariffs in place. He says we need something in the range of 15–25%, so local manufacturers are on a level playing field. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fashion and textiles industry accounts for up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, consumes 93 billion cubic meters of water annually, and generates 92 million tons of waste each year — yet only 1% of textiles are recycled back into new products. In this episode, we sit down with three leading experts to unpack one of the most resource-intensive industries on the planet and explore what a genuinely circular textiles sector could look like.We're joined by Mark Sumner, Head of Textiles at WRAP; Sarah Morley, Strategic Engagement Manager at WRAP Americas; and Linda Breggin, Senior Attorney at the Environmental Law Institute. Together, we trace the full lifecycle of a garment from field to landfill, examine fast fashion as a consumer behavior rather than just a retail phenomenon, and explore how circular design, durability standards, voluntary industry agreements, and policy intervention are beginning to reshape the system.Whether you're working in sustainability, environmental policy, waste reduction, or supply chain management, this episode offers both the big-picture framework and the on-the-ground insights you need to understand where the textiles industry is headed — and what it will take to get there. See WRAP's website for more information.Introduction: The Environmental Footprint of the Fashion and Textiles Industry (02:37)Lifecycle of a Garment: Hotspots, Impacts, and Intervention Points (03:47)Circular Design in Practice: The Pillars of a More Sustainable Textiles Industry (11:05)Changing Consumer Behavior (21:34)The UK Textiles Pact and the Durability Accelerator: Industry Collaboration in Action (29:49)WRAP's US Expansion: Landscape Review, Gaps, and the Road Ahead (45:14)The Role of State and Local Governments (48:33)Concluding Thoughts (54:43) ★ Support this podcast ★

The Toxic Substances Control Act is the cornerstone of chemical regulation in the United States — but for most of its existence, it was widely considered unenforceable. In this episode of People, Places, Planet's Explained series, host Sebastian Duque Rios is joined by Lynn Bergeson, Managing Partner of Bergeson & Campbell, and Bob Sussman, former senior EPA official and Principal at Sussman & Associates, to break down TSCA from the ground up. Together, they walk through the foundational building blocks of the law — what chemicals TSCA covers, how Sections 4, 5, and 6 govern testing, new chemical pre-market review, and existing chemical risk evaluation, and why the "unreasonable risk" standard at the heart of the statute proved so difficult to apply in practice. They also trace how the 1991 Corrosion Proof Fittings decision paralyzed EPA's regulatory authority for a generation, and what the 2016 Lautenberg Act fundamentally changed. Lynn and Bob are co-chairs of the TSCA Reform 10 Years Later conference, taking place June 10th at George Washington University — a free, hybrid event covering risk evaluation, risk management, new chemicals, and the legislative road ahead. The annual conference is co-sponsored by ELI, Bergeson & Campbell, P.C., and the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. Register here to attend in-person or via livestream. For those who wish to attend in-person, please registration will close on June 9, 2026, or when capacity is reached. ★ Support this podcast ★

After the Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court decision stripped back federal Clean Water Act protections, local governments found themselves on the frontlines of wetland conservation — and many have more tools available to them than they realize. In this special American Wetlands Month episode, host Sebastian Duque Rios talks with wetland policy experts and on-the-ground practitioners about what local action looks like in practice.ELI Senior Attorney Amy Reed introduces the Environmental Law Institute's newly published Local Wetland Protection Playbook — a practical guide to regulatory and non-regulatory strategies for municipalities, landowners, and community advocates. Then we hear two case studies. First, we're joined by Karen Cappiella (Center for Watershed Protection) to discuss how Bluffton, South Carolina became the first municipality in the state to close the post-Sackett loophole through a phased wetland ordinance and updated GIS mapping. Finally, we're joined by Mahtaab Bagherzadeh (National Wildlife Federation) and Nina Struss (Prairie Rivers Network) to learn more about how a bi-state coalition in the Quad Cities region of Iowa and Illinois is using climate assessments, ecological corridor mapping, and collaboration to protect wetlands in the region.02:12 – Why Wetlands Matter 05:57 – ELI's Local Wetland Protection Playbook & the Post-Sackett Landscape 13:50 – Case Study: Bluffton, SC — Local Wetland Ordinances in Action 26:41 – Case Study: Quad Cities, IA/IL — Climate Data, Ecological Corridors & Collaboration 58:55 – Closing & How to Get InvolvedSee the resources mentioned during the episode for more information:ELI's Local Wetland Protection PlaybookNWF Nature-Based Solutions Funding Database ★ Support this podcast ★

Fifty-six years ago, the first Earth Day helped spark a generation of landmark environmental legislation — and the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) was born from that same moment. On this Earth Day 2026, host Sebastian Duque Rios sits down with ELI President Jordan Diamond and Senior Attorney Jay Austin to trace the arc of environmental law from that founding era to the compounding crises of today.Together, they reflect on how statutes like NEPA and the Clean Air Act were designed with more foresight than we often credit them for, why adaptive management is baked into the DNA of environmental law, and how ELI is responding to an era of rapid institutional change — from regulatory rollbacks and executive action to the governance challenges posed by emerging industries like deep sea mining, geothermal energy, and data centers. They also dig into ELI's new collaboration with the Federation of American Scientists' (FAS) Center for Regulatory Ingenuity and their joint white paper laying out a framework for rebuilding and reimagining environmental governance fit for the 21st century.This episode is a candid, long-view conversation about what it takes to protect people, places, and the planet. For more information on other emerging topics in environmental law, see our recent episode, "What's Next for Environmental Law in 2026." ★ Support this podcast ★

Environmental and land defenders in Brazil face some of the highest rates of violence in the world, yet most attacks are never investigated, and fewer still result in prosecution. In this episode of People, Places, Planet, host Sebastian Duque Rios speaks with Kristine Perry, staff attorney at ELI, and Amael Notini, ELI's in-country partner in Brazil and legislative consultant to the Brazilian Federal Senate, about the systemic forces driving violence against defenders and what accountability could look like.Together, they explore how Brazil's legacy of land inequality, weak rural state capacity, and a deeply entrenched culture of impunity have put Indigenous and Quilombola communities, small-scale farmers, and civil society actors at risk. The conversation covers the structural roots of land conflict, the ongoing contested ratification of the Escazú Agreement, the temporal framework threatening indigenous land rights, and what — if anything — emerged from COP 30 in Belém for defender protection. The episode concludes with a first look at what the team is finding as they build a first-of-its-kind database tracking investigations and prosecutions of lethal attacks against defenders across Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, and why that data matters. This episode is part of ELI's ongoing series on environmental defenders across Latin America. If you've missed our previous episodes, check out our introductory episode on environmental defenders and ELI's database ("Environmental Defenders: On the Frontlines of Conservation") and our Spanish-language episode on the Colombian context ("Defensores ambientales: hacia la rendición de cuentas en Colombia"). For more information on the project, consult ELI's Platform to Protect Environmental Defenders.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Ahead of our eighth season, here's a preview of what's to come in People, Places, Planet, a bi-weekly podcast from the Environmental Law Institute. From climate change and biodiversity loss to pollution and public health, environmental law is at the center of the biggest challenges of our time."How do we make the law work for people, places, and the planet?"This podcast brings you in-depth conversations with experts with leading experts, breaking down the foundations of environmental law and diving into the cutting-edge issues reshaping our world. Whether you're an environmental professional or someone who cares about the future of our communities and ecosystems, this podcast is for you.New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe now so you never miss a conversation.Brought to you by the Environmental Law Institute - support the show at www.eli.org/donate. ★ Support this podcast ★

Can states hold pesticide companies accountable — or does federal law preempt? In this episode of People, Places, Planet, host Sebastian Duque Rios sits down with Patti Goldman, Senior Attorney at Earthjustice, and Cecilia Diedrich, Staff Attorney at ELI, to unpack one of the most consequential environmental law cases of the Supreme Court's current session: Monsanto v. Darnell. At its core, this case asks whether federal pesticide law — the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) — preempts state-based failure-to-warn claims, potentially shielding pesticide manufacturers like Monsanto from liability for harms caused by products like Roundup (glyphosate). With oral arguments scheduled for April 27, 2026, the stakes couldn't be higher — not just for pesticide litigation, but for the future of toxics accountability across the board. We break down the science behind pesticide risks, the role of tort litigation in driving corporate accountability and regulatory reform, and why the Court's ruling could have far-reaching implications for PFAS litigation, microplastics liability, and chemical safety regulation more broadly. We also explore how recent Supreme Court decisions, including Loper Bright, are reshaping the landscape of federal agency deference and what that means for environmental and public health protections. If you're interested in learning about toxics litigation more broadly, ELI's Toxics Litigation Project recently published a landscape analysis of toxics litigation and how scientific advancement and uncertainty, state and federal law, and judicial doctrine intersect in the ongoing effort to address the risks and consequences of toxic exposures in the United States and abroad titled, "Current Trends in Toxics Litigation." Additionally, for more information on FIFRA, check out our FIFRA, Explained episode. Introduction: Pesticides & FIFRA (3:17)Role of Tort Litigation in Accountability (13:44)The Roundup Litigation: Failure to Warn, Glyphosate, and the Road to the Supreme Court (19:07)Monsanto v. Durnell: Preemption and the Circuit Split (25:13)Beyond Roundup: Implications for the Future of Toxics Litigation (40:15)Concluding Thoughts: Science, Oral Arguments, and How to Protect Communities Going Forward (48:55) ★ Support this podcast ★

What does a truly just energy transition look like — and who gets to define it? In this episode of People, Places, Planet, host Sebastian Duque Rios sits down with Nadia Ahmad (Barry University School of Law) and Danielle Stokes (University of Richmond School of Law), collaborators on the Just Energy Transitions and Place (JET Place) project, a multi-institutional research initiative examining how place, land use law, and community governance shape who bears the burdens and who captures the benefits of America's shift to clean energy. Drawing on fieldwork across Florida, Louisiana, Kansas, and Pennsylvania, they make the case that decarbonization without redistribution isn't a just transition at all.From federalism and zoning conflicts to power purchase agreements, IRA rollbacks, and the structural barriers facing marginalized communities, this conversation surfaces the deeply human stakes behind every permitting decision and planning process — and explores what it looks like when communities successfully reclaim agency in the energy future being built around them.The conversation also zeroes in on Florida as a potentially cautionary case: a state with extraordinary solar potential but a regulatory environment defined by vertically integrated utilities, restricted third-party PPAs, and legislation that threatens to ban net zero targets at every level of government.What "Just Energy Transition" Really Means: Decarbonization and Distribution (4:50)Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Federal, State, and Local Authority (8:10)Just Energy Transitions and Place (21:39)Why Place-Centered Energy Planning Is Essential to Energy Justice (27:12)Florida: A Placed-based Case Study of Energy Governance Challenges (41:38)Concluding Thoughts: Policy Instability, IRA Rollbacks, and Reasons for Hope (50:07) ★ Support this podcast ★

In 1991 Nick Collins received "45 Year Service" pin from Brattleboro Ski Patrol Leader Ruth Lane. Nick would then regale the banquet with stories from the ski patrol's past. Here's some of what he had to say...

What does equity look like in ocean governance? In this episode of People, Places, Planet, host Sebastian Duque Rios speaks with Yoshitaka Ota of Ocean Nexus and Randall Abate, ELI Visiting Scholar, about the emerging concept of ocean equity—and why centering social justice is essential to the future of marine conservation and ocean law. From marine protected areas and small-scale fisheries to deep sea mining, marine geoengineering, and the rights of nature movement, the conversation explores how traditional environmental governance frameworks have often failed to address systemic marginalization in coastal and Indigenous communities. Drawing on anti-subordination theory, environmental justice, and human rights law, the guests explain how ocean equity moves beyond consultation toward meaningful power-sharing—including rethinking free, prior, and informed consent, stewardship-based resource management, and the intersection of human rights and marine conservation. For environmental lawyers, policymakers, and ocean governance professionals, this episode offers a forward-looking framework for aligning conservation, climate action, and justice.What is ocean equity? (04:08)From EJ to anti-subordination (09:37)Consent, power, and meaningful participation (16:05)Stewardship and MPAs (21:56)Rights of nature and the human right to a healthy environment (29:54)Emerging governance challenges and the future of ocean law (33:37) ★ Support this podcast ★

Spotlight session - Middys CEO Nick Collins by Business Benchmark Group

Is environmental law entering a new era—one defined not just by regulation and litigation, but also by implementation, incentives, and private-public partnerships?In this episode of People, Places, Planet, host Sebastian Duque Rios is joined by Roger Martella (Chief Corporate Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer at GE Vernova), Mike Vandenbergh (Professor of Law, Vanderbilt University), and Linda Breggin (Senior Attorney at the Environmental Law Institute) to examine how climate and environmental governance is evolving amid political gridlock and regulatory uncertainty.Building on Martella's 2024 law review article, the panel traces three eras of environmental law and explores the growing role of private environmental governance—driven by corporate investment, supply chains, investor pressure, and accountability to employees and customers. They discuss the risks and realities of greenwashing, what this shift means for environmental professionals, and how large-scale capital deployment is shaping the energy transition and climate action today. Join us for a forward-looking conversation for environmental professionals navigating the future of environmental law and policy.A new era of environmental law? (05:04)From government-led action to private environmental governance (11:24)What this means for environmental practitioners and students (17:43)Private action in energy and the global climate strategy (21:06)Motivating private sector leadership (33:06)Supply chains as governance tools (36:26) ★ Support this podcast ★

As artificial intelligence drives unprecedented growth in electricity demand, data centers are rapidly becoming some of the largest—and most consequential—loads on the U.S. power grid. Utilities that haven't seen meaningful load growth in decades now face mounting interconnection backlogs, rising costs, and growing concerns about reliability, emissions, and equity.In this episode of People, Places, Planet, host Sebastian Duque Rios is joined by Dalia Patino-Echeverri of Duke University and Aroon Vijaykar of Emerald AI to explore whether load flexibility offers a way forward. They examine how data centers and AI stress today's grid, how modest and carefully designed curtailment could unlock significant new capacity without overbuilding infrastructure, and what emerging technologies and policies—from flexible interconnection to software-driven demand response—could mean for electricity affordability, grid reliability, and the future of AI development in the United States.The Driving Forces Behind a New Wave of Electricity Demand (2:12)What's Constraining the Grid? (6:18)Rethinking Grid Limits through Load Flexibility (17:20)Inside a Flexible Data Center (40:13)What This Means for Policy, Costs, and Emissions (54:13)Learn more by reading about Emerald AI's pilot in Phoenix and Duke's report on load growth and flexibility, Rethinking Load Growth: Assessing the Potential for Integration of Large Flexible Loads in US Power Systems. ★ Support this podcast ★

From the food we eat to the parks, farms, and neighborhoods around us, pesticide policy quietly shapes everyday life in the United States.In this installment of our Explained series on the nation's foundational environmental laws, we turn to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, better known as FIFRA. Host Sebastian Duque Rios is joined by Dr. Jennifer Sass of the Natural Resources Defense Council and Keith Matthews of Matthews Law LLC to unpack how pesticides are regulated in the United States, why FIFRA was created, and how it has evolved from a consumer protection statute into a central health and environmental safeguard.Together, they walk through how EPA evaluates pesticide risks and benefits, what “unreasonable adverse effects” really means in practice, and how FIFRA interacts with food safety law and state authority. The conversation also explores the role of labels and enforcement, the promise and limits of safer alternatives like biopesticides, and the pressures facing pesticide regulation today—from staffing shortages to faster approval timelines. Whether you work in environmental law or are just trying to understand how pesticides are regulated, this episode offers a clear understanding of how FIFRA affects what ends up on our food, in our environment, and in our bodies. ★ Support this podcast ★

As 2025 comes to a close, People, Places, Planet takes stock of a year of profound change in environmental law—and looks ahead to the legal and policy questions that will shape 2026. Host Sebastian Duque Rios draws on insights from ELI convenings with leading scholars, practitioners, scientists, and policymakers to unpack how courts, agencies, and governments are redefining environmental authority and accountability.The episode covers key U.S. Supreme Court decisions and previews cases to watch in the upcoming term, explores sweeping changes to NEPA and administrative law, and examines the growing treatment of climate change as a legal rights issue in both U.S. and international courts. It also looks at how these high-level legal debates are playing out on the ground—from data centers and AI infrastructure to clean water, cooperative federalism, and the shifting balance of state and federal power. Supreme Court environmental law review and preview (1:47) NEPA after Seven County and CEQ rescission (14:57)Climate change and rights in the courts (26:17)The future of the endangerment finding (32:36)On the ground: data centers, cooperative federalism, and WOTUS (36:42)See ELI's resources for more information:Annual Supreme Court Review & Preview (2025)The Future of NEPA Review: Unpacking the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition DecisionHeld v. Montana: A 2025 UpdateUnpacking the ICJ's Recent Opinion on Climate ChangeScientific Support for the Endangerment FindingNational Environmental Impacts of Data Center ProliferationData Centers and Water UsageCelebrating Collaboration: ECOS and the Future of State-Level Environmental Policy ★ Support this podcast ★

This is a special edition episode in Spanish with our Colombian partner on ELI's Environmental Defenders Database project. If you'd like to learn more, please visit our Vibrant Environment blog for an English summary of the episode, or listen to our last episode in February on this topic, "Environmental Defenders: On the Front Lines of Conservation". Los defensores ambientales desempeñan un papel fundamental en la protección de los ecosistemas del mundo, pero cada año cientos de defensores son amenazados, detenidos, y asesinados. Esta realidad destaca la necesidad urgente de contar con mayores garantías, datos confiables y respuestas institucionales coordinadas. En este episodio, el anfitrión de People, Places, Planet, Sebastian Duque Ríos conversa con Kristine Perry (Environmental Law Institute) y Luis Felipe Guzmán Jiménez (Universidad Externado de Colombia), quienes comparten su conocimiento sobre los riesgos que enfrentan los defensores ambientales en Colombia y las iniciativas que buscan fortalecer su protección. Juntos analizan quiénes son los defensores ambientales en el contexto colombiano y las rutas que el país podría seguir para garantizar justicia a las víctimas de estos ataques. También abordan el potencial de acuerdos regionales como el Acuerdo de Escazú para avanzar en su protección. Finalmente, el episodio destaca el trabajo continuo de ELI para desarrollar una base de datos que registre investigaciones y procesos judiciales relacionados con ataques letales contra defensores ambientales. Para más información, consulte la Plataforma para Proteger a los Defensores Ambientales de ELI.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Environmental justice continues to evolve as states respond to shifting federal priorities and community needs. New Jersey has emerged as a leader, integrating equity considerations into core environmental programs, supported by its landmark 2020 EJ law and a long-standing emphasis on strong environmental protections.In this episode, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette joins Beveridge & Diamond's Hilary Jacobs and Justin Smith to discuss how the state is operationalizing EJ, measuring progress, and adapting to the major changes in federal policy and funding with the new Administration. Commissioner LaTourette outlines how New Jersey incorporates environmental justice into decision-making, the practical work of translating EJ principles into concrete, data-driven actions, and the challenges of aligning state and federal roles. The conversation also explores support for community-based organizations, funding constraints, and how businesses can navigate evolving EJ frameworks. This episode is part of the Groundtruth series created in partnership with Beveridge & Diamond, one of the nation's leading environmental law and litigation firms. ★ Support this podcast ★

On this week's episode of That Peter Crouch Podcast, Pete, Chris and Sids sit down with Joe Cole, former England international, Premier League winner and Champions League finalist, to dive into the untold stories behind his new book Luxury Player.The lads get stuck into Joe's early rise as a teenage sensation, the madness of being splashed across the papers at 15, and how fame shaped him long before he stepped onto a Premier League pitch. Joe opens up about the pressure, the jealousy, the misconceptions, and how he found his way through it.The conversation also takes us inside Chelsea during the Mourinho revolution — the moment Joe realised everything had changed, what training was really like under Jose, and how that era set the foundations for years of dominance. There's plenty of England nostalgia too: World Cups, quarter-finals, dressing room pranks, and the gut-punch reality of injuries cutting short international dreams.It's honest, funny, nostalgic and full of elite-level insight — a proper football chat with one of the game's most naturally gifted players. And yes, there's tales wine-tasting chaos, mascot scandals, and insight into a black cab driver giving massages at Chelsea… Strap in.Chumbawamba 00:00 — Crouchy opens the pod01:15 — Crouchy, Carragher & Roy Keane at Football For Change03:45 — Roy Keane art gallery story05:00 — Richarlison goal & prediction chaos09:50 — Hole-in-one vs 147 debate15:30 — Arsenal vs Chelsea predictions20:50 — FA Cup memories & Haier ad read22:40 — Introducing Joe Cole23:30 — Nick Collins falling-off-ladder clip25:55 — Joe's Sunday Brunch wine-tasting disaster32:10 — Reconstructing memories for the book33:50 — Being on the front page at 1535:15 — Teacher mocking Joe about money36:10 — Being a target at away grounds43:00 — Joe's dad turning down Sir Alex's mascot invite45:30 — West Ham principles & giving tickets away53:00 — Discussion about “Luxury Player” label01:03:50 — Desailly & the World Cup at Chelsea01:04:20 — Mourinho arrives & changes everything01:21:00 — England heartbreak & final reflectionsFollow our Clips page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLNBLB3xr3LyiyAkhZEtiAA For more Peter Crouch: Twitter - https://twitter.com/petercrouch Therapy Crouch - https://www.youtube.com/@thetherapycrouch For more Chris Stark Twitter - https://twitter.com/Chris_StarkInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisstark/For more Steve Sidwell Twitter - https://twitter.com/sjsidwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stevesidwell14 #PeterCrouch #ThatPeterCrouchPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The intersection of Melnea Cass Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue (Mass & Cass) is an area in Boston that has long attracted a large number of people struggling with homelessness and drug addiction. It’s remained an ongoing challenge for local leaders for years. What's the best strategy for cleaning up Mass and Cass? MA Sen. Nick Collins has introduced a bill, An Act Relative to Life-Saving Treatment (S.1042) in hopes of tackling how best to help those struggling at Mass and Cass. It's an act that offers a clear, compassionate, and comprehensive fix to how involuntary commitment is handled in Massachusetts. Sen. Collins checked in with Dan to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a time when species across the country face mounting pressures, the Endangered Species Act remains one of the most powerful—and contested—tools we have to protect them. In this installment of our “Explained” series, host Sebastian Duque Rios is joined by three experts whose careers span law, policy, and conservation science: Patrick Parenteau (Vermont Law & Graduate School), Jake Li (Defenders of Wildlife), and David Wilcove (Princeton University).Together, they break down how the ESA works, why it was created, and the real-world threats species face today. The conversation explores key provisions of the Act—from listing decisions and critical habitat designations to Section 7 consultations, recovery planning, and the role of private landowners. The guests also discuss how funding shortfalls, political pressures, and recent proposals could reshape endangered species protection in the years ahead.Whether you're new to the ESA or looking for a richer understanding of its legal, scientific, and practical dimensions, this episode offers a clear and candid look at the challenges and opportunities facing one of the nation's cornerstone conservation laws. ★ Support this podcast ★

As climate change reshapes our oceans, fish populations are shifting across borders and into new territories, creating ripple effects for food security, livelihoods, and international relations. These changes are intensifying pressure on governments and coastal communities—and, in some cases, fueling tension and conflict at sea. In this episode of People Places Planet, host Sebastian Duque Rios speaks with Johan Bergenas, Senior Vice President for Oceans at the World Wildlife Fund-US, and Sofia O'Connor, Director of the Environmental Law Institute's Ocean Program, about the complex links between marine conservation, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and international security. Together, they explore how climate-driven migration of fish stocks can trigger disputes between nations, how data and transparency tools like WWF's Oceans Futures platform can help policymakers anticipate and prevent those conflicts, and how legal frameworks can promote cooperation rather than conflict on the high seas.See WWF's recent report, The Geopolitics of the Ocean, as well as their Oceans Futures platform for more information. ★ Support this podcast ★

As the first U.S city to implement a congestion pricing program, New York City has begun charging vehicles entering high-traffic areas of Manhattan a toll. With this initiative, NYC is testing what could be a consequential urban policy for transportation and climate at the municipal level. Ten months into the program, what have we learned? In this episode of People Places Planet, host Sebastian Duque Rios speaks about congestion pricing with Robert Puentes, Vice President and Director of Brookings Metro; Rachel Weinberger, Vice President for Research Strategy and the Peter W. Herman Chair for Transportation at the Regional Plan Association; and Christine Billy, Adjunct Professor of Clinical Law at NYU and Executive Director of the Guarini Center. Together, they unpack NYC's congestion pricing program: why it was pursued, how it works, what early data suggests about its impacts, and the waves of legal challenges that the program has faced. In discussing how this innovative policy aims to rethink urban mobility, the conversation delves into how congestion pricing connects to broader environmental and public health goals, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and how it can present a model for other cities looking to fund and improve public transit.  ★ Support this podcast ★

What does it mean to “indigenize” international law—and why does it matter for the environment? In this episode of People, Places, Planet, host Sebastian Duque Rios speaks with legal scholars Jonathan Liljeblad, Kristen Carpenter, and Margaret Palaghicon Von Rotz about how Indigenous peoples are reshaping international legal thought. Together, they explore the concept of Indigenous legal orders—living systems of law that exist alongside and often in tension with state-based international law—and their growing influence in environmental governance. From the Ifugao people's stewardship of the Philippines' rice terraces to the Yurok Tribe's river restoration and land back efforts in California, the conversation highlights how Indigenous nations are asserting legal authority across state borders, revitalizing relationships to land and water, and challenging colonial legacies in our legal systems. This episode offers a powerful look at what international law could become when Indigenous legal systems are recognized as active, evolving sources of law shaping the planet's future. ★ Support this podcast ★

What is the National Forest Management Act (NFMA), and how has it shaped the way America manages its forests? In this episode of People, Places, Planet, host Sebastian Duque Rios talks with forest law experts Susan Jane Brown, attorney with Silvix Resources and adjunct professor at Lewis & Clark Law School, and Martin Nie, Director of the Bolle Center for People and Forests at the University of Montana. Together, they unpack NFMA's history, purpose, and lasting impact. From the clear-cutting controversies that spurred its creation to its unique role in regulating the federal government, NFMA has reshaped forest management through long-term planning, public participation, and enforceable standards—and it continues to guide how the Forest Service balances conservation, timber production, and recreation across millions of acres. Whether you're new to environmental law or curious about how federal forests are governed, this episode offers a clear, engaging look at one of the cornerstone statutes of U.S. forest policy. ★ Support this podcast ★

Since 1989, the National Wetlands Awards have honored leaders who protect, restore, and steward America's wetlands. In this episode of People, Places, Planet, host Sebastian Duque Rios sits down with the 2025 awardees: Simone Maloz, campaign director of Restore the Mississippi River Delta (00:59); Mike Rolband, Director of Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality (17:16); and Wyatt Penfold, a fourth-generation farmer from Idaho's Teton Valley (32:24). Together, they share stories of coastal restoration in Louisiana, advances in wetland regulation and permitting in Virginia, and collaborative water management in Idaho. Their work highlights how wetlands preserve culture, protect communities, and provide ecological resilience—and why ensuring their survival requires broad commitment and sustained care across sectors and communities. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this special episode of People Places Planet, host Sebastian Duque Rios speaks with Ben Grumbles, president of the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS), and state environmental leaders James Kenney (New Mexico Environment Department), Chris Wells (Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality), and Leah Feldon (Oregon Department of Environmental Quality). The conversation marks the recognition of ECOS and Ben as the recipients of the Environmental Law Institute's 2025 Environmental Achievement Award, honoring their commitment to bipartisan collaboration and science-based environmental governance.Together, they explore how states are leading the way on today's most pressing challenges—from ensuring safe drinking water and cleaning up Superfund sites to advancing policy on PFAS and wildfire impacts. The discussion examines what's at stake when federal funding for state environmental programs falls short, why strong federal-state partnerships are essential for local economies, the risks of underfunding science at EPA, and how states are working to balance efficiency with integrity when it comes to permitting. The episode celebrates ECOS' leadership in strengthening cooperative federalism, fostering innovative solutions, and providing stability across administrations, while also offering insights into the future of environmental protection nationwide. ★ Support this podcast ★

Massachusetts Senator Nick Collins is supporting legislation, An Act Relative to Transportation Safety, a bill aimed at curbing the rising number of dangerous incidents involving mopeds, e-bikes, and motorized scooters, many of which are operated without licenses, registration, or insurance. We heard callers' thoughts about traffic safety in Boston on Wednesday evening, now we continued the conversation with Senator Collins!

Plastic packaging is everywhere—from grocery store shelves to e-commerce deliveries—and it's one of the largest contributors to global plastic waste. In this episode of People, Places, Planet, host Dara Albrecht is joined by Caroline DeLoach (Atlantic Packaging), Daniel Zlatnik (CalRecycle), and Dacie Meng (Ellen MacArthur Foundation). Together, they unpack the complexities of the packaging market, the developments reshaping it, and the promise of a circular economy.The conversation explores the environmental, social, and health impacts of the way packaging is produced, used, and disposed of, the role of extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws in shifting costs and incentives upstream, and innovations—from AI-powered recycling to closed-loop reuse systems. The discussion also takes a deep dive into California's landmark SB 54, examining how its ambitious goals could influence policy nationwide. With perspectives spanning policy, law, and industry, the episode offers an in-depth look at how international treaties, state-level regulations, and private-sector action are converging to address the plastic waste crisis and make packaging more sustainable.Current State of Plastic Production and Waste (01:32)Towards a Circular Economy (13:07)International Efforts to Address Plastic Waste (17:14)Innovations and the Role of the Private Sector (21:17)Consumer Choices and Sustainable Packaging (35:19)Introduction to EPR (37:36)California's EPR Law and Its Features (48:04)Closing Thoughts (01:01:47)This episode was recorded on June 20, 2025, prior to the start of INC-5.2, which is currently underway. The discussion may not reflect the most recent developments. For up-to-date information, please visit UNEP's website. ★ Support this podcast ★

Environmental law is complex, technical, and often inaccessible to the very people it's meant to protect. In this special episode of People, Places, Planet, host Dara Albrecht sits down with members of the ELI podcast team—Associate Vice President of Communications Nick Collins, Communications Associate Maya Sokoloff, and Research Associate and incoming host Sebastian Duque—for a candid conversation about the challenges and opportunities of making complex legal and scientific information accessible in a noisy, fast-paced digital world.Together, they unpack why communicating environmental law and policy is so difficult and why getting it right matters more than ever. From navigating jargon and political polarization to telling stories that resonate with everyday experiences, the team reflects on the tools, trade-offs, and real-world examples that shape their approach. ★ Support this podcast ★

What is CERCLA, and why does it matter for environmental law and justice? In this episode of People, Places, Planet, host Dara Albrecht sits down with environmental law veterans Mike McLaughlin, Sam Boxerman, and Jack Raffetto to unpack the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act—better known as Superfund. From the law's dramatic origins in the wake of toxic disasters like Love Canal to its far-reaching liability framework and complex cleanup process, this episode explains how CERCLA works, who's held accountable, and how it continues to evolve. You'll hear about EPA enforcement strategies, the role of community input, and major updates like PFAS regulation. Whether you're new to environmental law or deep in the weeds, this episode offers a comprehensive, engaging breakdown of one of the most powerful environmental laws in the U.S. ★ Support this podcast ★

If you felt like Coldplay's music became less bold over the years, it's not just A Rush of Blood to the Head - you may be right! Durham University's Nick Collins spoke to Corin Dann.

If you're interested in purchasing Adapting to High Level Warming: Law, Governance, and Equity, please visit ELI's website for more information.What happens when climate projections exceed our current legal frameworks and planning models? In this episode of People Places Planet, host Dara Albrecht explores the provocative premise behind Adapting to High Level Warming, the fifth volume in the Environmental Law Collaborative's book series published by ELI Press. Joined by editors Katrina Kuh and Shannon Roesler, as well as chapter authors Sarah Fox and Kevin Lynch, the conversation delves into how legal scholars are grappling with the likelihood of 3–4°C warming scenarios.Fox introduces the concept of “climate-changed communities” and the pressures local governments face as they adapt to new environmental realities. Lynch discusses the double-edged nature of preemption law, which can either enable or obstruct needed climate action at the local level. With commentary from editors Katrina Kuh and Shannon Roesler, the conversation highlights how law and governance must be reimagined and stretched to meet the needs of a radically changed climate. With insights ranging from historic preservation to energy policy, this episode underscores why preparing for worst-case scenarios is no longer alarmist—but necessary.Featured chapters:Climate-Changed Communities (07:53) by Sarah Fox.Preemption: Opportunities and Obstacles for Climate Adaptation (31:39) by Kevin J. Lynch. ★ Support this podcast ★

Wetlands play a critical role in protecting communities from climate change, but restoring and sustaining them in a shifting climate is no easy task. In this episode of People, Places, Planet, host Dara Albrecht examines the impact of climate change on wetland sites through the lens of compensatory mitigation, a process through which developers offset permitted impacts to wetlands and streams by funding or conducting ecological restoration elsewhere, and how, if at all, mitigation practitioners are responding to ensure climate resiliency in their projects. Guests Dr. Meghan Halabisky, Dave Groves, and Karen Johnson bring different perspectives to the table: Halabisky offers a scientific overview of how climate change is impacting wetlands, while Groves and Johnson discuss the regulatory and practical constraints and opportunities that practitioners are facing. The conversation covers site planning, ecological monitoring, and the tension between policy requirements and the realities of climate adaptation. Rather than prescribing easy solutions, the episode explores the complexities of ensuring long term sustainability at mitigation sites experiencing climate change.  ★ Support this podcast ★

In today's episode of the Packernet Podcast, Ryan dives deep into the ongoing Aaron Rodgers saga—his rumored $10 million deal with the Steelers, what that means for Green Bay, and how fans are reacting. We break down the return the Packers got from the Jets trade and explore whether Rodgers still has it or if it's just media hype. Plus, we cover the Packers' front office updates, coaching staff additions like Nick Collins and Morgan Burnett, and some OTA standouts. As always, we sprinkle in some fan calls, tackle rumors (no, there's no Netflix deal!), and talk Jenkins, center drama, and the myth of the Packers' Pittsburgh curse. Don't miss this packed offseason episode! To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/packernetpodcast

In today's episode of the Packernet Podcast, Ryan dives deep into the ongoing Aaron Rodgers saga—his rumored $10 million deal with the Steelers, what that means for Green Bay, and how fans are reacting. We break down the return the Packers got from the Jets trade and explore whether Rodgers still has it or if it's just media hype. Plus, we cover the Packers' front office updates, coaching staff additions like Nick Collins and Morgan Burnett, and some OTA standouts. As always, we sprinkle in some fan calls, tackle rumors (no, there's no Netflix deal!), and talk Jenkins, center drama, and the myth of the Packers' Pittsburgh curse. Don't miss this packed offseason episode! To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/packernetpodcast

Packers Total Access Hour 1 : Nick Collins Working With LaFleur?! + Which 2024 Playoff Teams May Take A Step Back This Season? + PFF Lineup Deep Dive

Packers Total Access Hour 1 : Nick Collins Working With LaFleur?! + Which 2024 Playoff Teams May Take A Step Back This Season? + PFF Lineup Deep Dive

In this special ELPAR edition of People, Places, Planet, host Dara Albrecht is joined by guest co-hosts Linda Breggin and Mara Pusic to explore one of this year's top Environmental Law and Policy Annual Review (ELPAR) articles: “A Contractual Relationship with Environmental Justice,” authored by Professor Seema Kakade. Joined by guests Maia Hutt of the Southern Environmental Law Center and Shanika Amarakoon of Eastern Research Group, this episode dives into the potential of corporate-community agreements as a tool for environmental justice. Professor Kakade lays out a bold proposal for environmental nonprofits to establish transactional legal practice groups focused on supporting communities in negotiating legally binding agreements with polluting industries. Together, the group discusses the promise and pitfalls of such agreements, from trust-building and legal enforceability to tailoring support for under-resourced communities and ensuring long-term accountability. They also reflect on the challenges of shifting environmental justice strategies in the face of evolving federal priorities. Whether you're a policymaker, practitioner, or student of environmental law, this conversation offers innovative, on-the-ground approaches to equity and environmental protection. To view the other top articles selected this year, visit the ELPAR page on ELI's website. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of People Places Planet, host Dara Albrecht is joined by Jeffrey Peterson, environmental policy expert and author of A New Coast: Strategies for Responding to Devastating Storms and Rising Seas. Together, they unpack the science behind sea level rise, its regional impacts, and the urgent challenges it poses for coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. The conversation explores the key drivers of sea level rise, regional vulnerabilities across the U.S., and the growing risks tied to accelerating climate change. Peterson also dives into the legal and policy dimensions of adaptation, discussing land use controls, managed retreat, insurance frameworks, and emerging litigation around takings and government responsibility. The episode highlights how sea level rise will reshape planning, governance, and community resilience for generations to come. Listeners interested in learning more about legal and policy responses to climate impacts can visit ELI's Climate Judiciary Project website to explore additional resources, including the new Sea Level Rise module. ★ Support this podcast ★

STELLANTIS WILL NOT PUBLISH PROFIT FORECASTStellantis has decided not to publish their profit forecast, stating that the tariffs cause far too much uncertainty for the financial year ahead. Their financial results for the first quarter of 2025 continued to disappoint, with a 14% drop in revenue and a 9% drop in vehicle shipments. If you wish to learn more, click this Autocar article link here. 40% DROP IN PROFITS FOR VW Volkswagen's financial results for the first quarter of 2025 are in and are not great. They did make a profit but it is down 40% on last year, being £1.9 billion with a 1.4% rise in sales. They stated that the increased number of EVs being bought had impacted them due to the much reduced profit margin in electric vehicles. Click this Autocar article to learn more. IMPROVED ASTON MARTIN PERFORMANCE DESPITE LOSSAston Martin announced a pre tax loss of £76.9 million, for the first quarter of 2025, which is significantly down from last year's £138.8 million. Revenue was also down, 13%, to £233.9 million, showing how the cost cutting efforts were working for the company. You can learn more, by clicking this Autocar link here. DROP IN REVENUE FOR VOLVOVolvo too were announcing their financial results for the first quarter of 2025 and they were down. Deliveries, earnings and revue are all down. Interim CEO Håkan Samuelsson announced cost cutting measures across their global network. To read more, click this Autocar article link here. PORSCHE IN-HOUSE BATTERY PRODUCTION PLANS CHANGE Porsche are not going to expand their in-house battery production, as was originally planned. Instead that money will go to software and other products, as they claim the slow uptake in EVs is to blame. This all comes as they announce a further dramatic drop in China sales, down 42% for the first quarter, and an expected drop in revenue and profits for the company overall. You can learn more, by clicking this Autocar article link here. MCLAREN GETS A NEW BOSSFollowing the merger of McLaren and Forseven, Michael Leiters has stepped down with immediate affect. Forseven's boss Nick Collins, who coincidentally was named CEO of McLaren Group Holdings - the new overarching company that encompass McLaren and Forseven. Click this Autocar article link to read more. SKODA OPENS ONLINE SHOWROOM WITH AMAZONYou will soon be able to research and peruse your next Skoda via Amazon, in the UK. On top of which you can book your test drive before visiting a Skoda showroom and buying, if you so wish, from the car company directly. If you want to learn more, click this Top Gear article link for more. If you like what we do, on this show, and...

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 ★

In this special episode of People Places Planet, host Dara Albrecht and ELI Senior Attorney Linda Breggin take us to Nashville for Food Waste Prevention Week, where local leaders across sectors are driving innovative efforts to reduce food waste. With nearly one-third of U.S. food going uneaten each year—impacting the environment, economy, and communities—this conversation showcases how one city is tackling the challenge head-on.Linda speaks with four inspiring guests whose work spans K-12 education, higher ed, hospitality, and professional sports:Todd Lawrence (04:28), Executive Director of Urban Green Lab, explains how training teachers and conducting school cafeteria waste audits are empowering the next generation to take action.David ter Kuile (18:32), Associate Vice Chancellor at Vanderbilt University, walks us through how campus dining hit its zero waste goals through composting, waste tracking, and student engagement.Tyler Lee (34:44), Executive Chef at 1 Hotel Nashville, shares how local sourcing, zero-waste cocktails, and creative kitchen strategies are changing the hospitality landscape.Haley Davidson (49:48), Chief of Staff for the Tennessee Titans, describes how Nashville's NFL team is designing a new LEED Gold stadium with food waste reduction in mind—and how it's already making a difference at Nissan Stadium.From teaching tools to technology to teamwork, this episode explores scalable strategies for reducing food waste and building more resilient communities. Whether you're in a school, university, restaurant, or stadium, there's something here for everyone. Related Links:ELI's Center for State and Local Governance, Food Waste InitiativeUrban Green Lab resources on food waste reductionFood Waste Warrior AuditJames Beard Foundation and Nashville Food Waste Initiative Food Scrap Cooking DemonstrationWaste Not Cooking Competition ★ Support this podcast ★

Nutritious food in schools is essential for student health, academic success, and a more sustainable future. In this episode of People Places Planet, host Dara Albrecht is joined by Linda Breggin, Senior Attorney at the Environmental Law Institute, along with Nancy Weiss, a chef and former Director of Food Services at Santa Barbara Unified School District, and Audrey Sanchez, Executive Director of Balanced, a nonprofit working to improve public health through healthier food environments. Together, they explore how thoughtful school food policies and plant-based menu innovations can improve student wellness while supporting environmental goals. The episode highlights local success stories, including how Santa Barbara became a national leader in integrating plant-based proteins, and discusses practical strategies—from menu analysis to procurement planning and student engagement—that schools can use to create healthier, more inclusive food programs. The conversation also touches on the importance of leadership, community involvement, and systemic support in advancing nutrition equity and sustainability in public schools. ★ Support this podcast ★

Each year, around one billion birds die from collisions with buildings in the United States—an alarming but preventable crisis driven by modern glass architecture. In this episode of People Places Planet, host Dara Albrecht is joined by Viveca Morris of Yale Law School, Dan Piselli of FXCollaborative Architects, and Christine Sheppard of the American Bird Conservancy to explore the scope of the problem and the innovative solutions taking flight. The conversation highlights how science, design, and public policy are coming together to reduce bird-building collisions, with a focus on local laws in cities like New York and San Francisco that are driving industry change. The episode also touches on practical considerations (including challenges) in implementing these policies and the creative ways architects and policymakers are working to make buildings safer for birds—without compromising aesthetics or functionality. Listeners will gain insight into how legal frameworks, community action, and industry innovation are transforming the built environment to better protect wildlife. ★ Support this podcast ★

Environmental defenders play a critical role in safeguarding natural resources and advocating for human rights, yet they face severe threats—including harassment, violence, and even murder. In this episode of People Places Planet, host Dara Albrecht is joined by ELI staff attorney, Kristine Perry, to discuss the challenges environmental defenders encounter worldwide. They explore the staggering risks defenders face, gaps in legal enforcement, and how intersecting identities and extractive industries heighten these dangers. The episode also introduces ELI's new platform to track the prosecution and enforcement of crimes against environmental defenders. Kristine explains how the project—starting in Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico—aims to combat impunity and bring accountability to those responsible for attacks. Tune in to learn about the urgent need for protections and how these threats impact communities, ecosystem, and global environmental governance. Listener discretion is advised due to sensitive content regarding violence against environmental defenders.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Bees and other pollinators are vital to ecosystems and agriculture, yet their populations face mounting threats from climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use. In this episode of People Places Planet, Rebecca Riley, Managing Director of Food and Agriculture at the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Saff Killingsworth, an Endangered Species Conservation Biologist at the Xerces Society, join host Dara Albrecht to explore how legal frameworks and science intersect to address these challenges. They discuss legislative milestones like New York's Birds and Bees Protection Act, the role of extinction risk assessments, and how scientific research on pollinator behavior and habitat can shape effective policies. This episode details the importance of science-informed legal frameworks in safeguarding pollinators and the ecosystems they support. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this special update episode of People Places Planet, host Dara Albrecht revisits the landmark youth-led climate case, Held v. State of Montana, after the Montana Supreme Court's ruling in December 2024. Building on the original September 2023 episode, ELI Senior Attorney and Director of the Climate Judiciary Project Helene Krasnoff joins returning ELI Staff Attorney Jarryd Page in conversation with Dara to discuss the Montana Supreme Court's recent decision affirming the trial court's ruling in favor of the youth plaintiffs. The episode explores the legal significance of the ruling, how Montana agencies are beginning to incorporate climate considerations into environmental reviews, and the broader implications for climate litigation nationwide. Stay tuned after the update to hear the original episode featuring former host Sarah Backer, Jarryd Page, and Science and Policy Analyst John Doherty for foundational insights into the case.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Today:We talk with one of the legislators – State Senator Nick Collins – who led the charge to defeat Boston Mayor Wu's plan to shift the tax burden towards commercial properties in the city.And, states don't have to give into anticipatory obedience on everything Trump will try to rollback – We talk with Terri Gerstein of NYU's Wagner Labor Institute and Paul Sonn of the National Employment Law Project, who say states can and should act now to shore up worker protections ahead of Jan. 20.