Environmental Evolutions

Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023: Debt Deal or Infrastructure Dealmaker?

On this episode of the Environmental Evolutions Podcast, Megan Berge is joined by Jeff Wood and Tom Jackson to explore the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. They'll dive into the key provisions aimed at approving federal energy and infrastructure permitting procedures, as well as the NEPA reforms included in the new law. 

The link to the law is below and if you have questions for Tom or Jeff, please contact them directly.

The final version of Public Law No. 118-5: https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr3746/BILLS-118hr3746enr.pdf). 

Carbon Markets Creating Value Today and in the Future

On this episode, Host Megan Berge is joined by Partners Jason Bennett and Tom Holmberg to discuss the importance of data, scrutiny and integrity while creating value in carbon markets. For more information, reach out to Jason or Tom or visit bakerbotts.com.

Environmental Sustainability of Cryptocurrency with CMSSA President Cameron Rafati

On this episode, Partner and host Megan Berge is joined by Partner Allison Watkins Mallick and Cryptocurrency Mining and Staking Sustainability Association President Cameron Rafati to discuss the future of sustainable digital currencies. Covering everything from energy sources, grid stability, and permitting this episode dives into the regulations, impacts and innovations of cryptocurrency in today's world.

For more information, reach out to Allison or visit bakerbotts.com

Greenhouse Gas Standards for Power Plants: The Origin Story

In this episode, host Megan Berge takes the mic to provide a brief overview of the statutory basis for and origin story of EPA’s newly proposed greenhouse gas performance standards for existing coal-fired plants and new and existing gas-fired plants. A fast facts episode covering the guidelines will follow soon. 

Greenhouse Gas Standards and Guidelines for Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants | US EPA

It’s Last Call for California’s Update to the Advanced Clean Fleets Regulations

In this episode, environmental attorney Julie Cress updates host Megan Berge on the California Air Resources Board’s upcoming adoption of the Advanced Clean Fleets Rule. This rule has broad impacts across the medium and heavy duty transportation sector in California and is another part of California’s aggressive push to electrify the transportation sector. More information on the rulemaking and how to get involved is available on the CARB website. Please contact Julie for more information on California’s mobile source regulations.

Links to Julie's past episodes:
Changes are Coming to the California LCFS
New Signals on California’s LCFS Amendments

What We are Watching in 2023

In today's episode, Megan asks a cross section of Environmental, Safety, and Incident Response lawyers from a variety of offices one important question: what issue or issues is on their mind for 2023?

As a bonus, each lawyer shared one fun fact about themselves so that you can learn a little bit more about the amazing people at Baker Botts.

For further information on these topics or suggestions for future episodes, please email Megan at megan.berge@bakerbotts.com. 

The Treasury Gives Guidance on the IRA & a Holiday Gift From the Baker Botts Tax Team

In this episode, energy transition tax specialist, partner Barbara de Marigny joins host Megan Berge to discuss recent Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) implementation guidance issued by the Department of the Treasury. Barbara also explains the finding tool released by the Baker Botts tax team to help companies search comment letters submitted to the Treasury on potential IRA implementation guidance. The notice is available at federalregister.gov and the finding tool is housed on bakerbotts.com. If you have tricky energy transition tax question, you can contact Barbara.

For more information on the IRA, listen in to these Environmental Evolutions episodes: Mike Bresson covering wind and solar, and Barbara de Marigny covering tax benefits.

New Signals on California’s LCFS Amendments

In this episode, environmental attorney Julie Cress updates host Megan Berge on new signals from the California Air Resources Board on the of future biodiesel and renewable natural gas under the Low Carbon Fuel Standards Program, which is responsible for spurring billions of dollars of clean energy investments.  More information on the Board’s LCFS workshops is available on the CARB website. Please contact Julie for more information on California’s LCFS program.

Inflation Reduction Act Wins For Wind (And Solar): Your 15 Minute Rundown

In this episode, host Megan Berge, turns the microphone over to tax partner, Mike Bresson to provide a 15 minute run down on the opportunities the recently promulgated Inflation Reduction Act provides for wind and solar and the implementation to-do list facing the IRS. Located in our Houston office, please contact Mike with your tax questions.

Getting Ready for the Final CEQ Carbon Capture Guidance

In this episode, partner Aileen Hooks joins host Megan Berge to discuss forthcoming final guidance from the White House Council on Environmental Quality on carbon capture utilization and storage. Please reach out to Aileen can be reached for questions and the draft guidance is available here: federalregister.gov.