Thought Leadership - Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Manatt Submits Comments to State Water Board on Streamlining Desalination Facility Permitting

Amid California’s water crisis, Manatt submitted a letter to the State Water Resources Control Board on opportunities for new desalination plants.

California Proposes Expansion of Fees and Obligations for Hazardous Waste Handlers

On October 17, 2024, the DTSC held a workshop on draft emergency regulations affecting all hazardous waste handlers in the state, with few exemptions.

CA Climate Disclosure Mandates—Deadlines Hold and the Clock is Ticking

Even California’s “Climate Governor” had concerns about rushing hastily into California’s unprecedented climate disclosure mandate laws.

Smith to Speak at CCEEB 2024 Summer Issues Seminar

Manatt Energy and Environment Partner David C. Smith will participate in a panel discussion with regulators, utilities and environmental advocates on statewide issues.

There’s Nothing Weak About the SEC’s “Weakened” Climate Disclosure Mandate

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released its long-awaited climate disclosure mandate for publicly traded companies (Final Rule).

Climate Disclosures: California Mandates Advance in Legislature with Modest Reprieve

Two proposed California laws that would mandate disclosure of climate-warming emissions and organizational “risk” related to climate change moved closer to Governor Newsom’s desk.

2023–24 California State Budget Finalized—At Least for Now

After around-the-clock weekend negotiations between Democratic legislative leaders and Governor Gavin Newsom, working against a looming June 30 constitutional deadline, leaders announced a budget agreement late Monday night.

National Advertising Review Board Recommends That JBS Discontinue Net Zero Claims

The National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, has recommended that JBS USA Holdings, Inc., discontinue claims regarding its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040.

California Senate Approves Greenhouse Gas Disclosure; SEC Remains Conspicuously Silent

The California Senate passed two bills that would require climate-related disclosures from specified companies doing business in California.

Carbon Capture and Sequestration—“Essential,” but Too Little, Too Late?

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR), including carbon capture and sequestration, was once derided as little more than a corporate ploy to prolong reliance on fossil fuels.