Insights

AG Actions Database

Updated August 31, 2026
This database tracks actions of regional and national significance taken by state AGs to advance clean energy, climate and environmental laws and policies since 2017. The database is updated on a monthly basis.

Tracking AG Activity on Department of Energy Emergency Orders

Updated August 21, 2026

This tracker compiles attorney general activity on Department of Energy orders issued under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act.

Tracking Transmission Reform

Updated August 7, 2026
Transmission planning needs to change to support a clean, affordable, and equitable grid. Hear from state AGs on why transmission reform is a critical aspect of climate response, get background on how the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is approaching its overhaul to the process, and see an overview of public engagement opportunities. 

Recapping this Term at SCOTUS: Agency Independence, Federal Jurisdiction and More

The Supreme Court just finished up another blockbuster term, with several decisions related to environmental protection and agency authority. Among the key cases were decisions limiting the ability of Congress to create independent agencies, dictating when state law environmental claims can be moved to federal court, and other cross-cutting issues likely to have broad impacts for environmental litigation moving forward. In this blog, we break down some of these key decisions and how they might affect environmental regulation moving forward.

A Deep Dive into Data Changes: National Science Foundation's Ocean Observatories Initiative

Special sensors, such as one off the coast of Cape Hatteras, NC, are currently collecting data to inform coastal weather predictions, flood risk, and fisheries information. As part of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI), these sensors, along with nearly a thousand other deep-ocean monitoring instruments in the OOI, are now at risk. 

Preemption, Procedure, and Power

“In the Courts” Column: With the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2025-2026 term having ended just last month, it is time to look at how these cases might shape environmental policy and protection in years to come. Among the “environmental” cases on the docket this past year were two that impact our day-to-day life: pesticides and energy efficiency. 

AG Action on Energy and Environmental Issues: A Landscape Overview

This page presents a list of areas where there is AG activity across environmental and energy issues. Click each issue to scroll through recent AG actions in that topic area. Click on any AG action card to learn more. Once on the AG action page, click on an issue tag in the green box to see more AG actions in that topic area, organized by date.

Staying Cool for the Summer: AG Utility Consumer Protection Work

With rising summer temperatures comes rising demand for electricity—and rising electric bills. A new study from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association predicted cooling costs this summer could be 7.4% higher than in 2020. State attorneys general (AGs) are working around the clock to protect utility customers and are leveraging the full range of their authorities, from regulatory interventions to litigation to public awareness, to ensure the affordability of essential utility services.

Issue Alerts

Updated June 25, 2026
This resource flags comment periods for federal rulemakings, delays of effective dates, and other documents to spotlight items of potential interest on climate, clean energy, and environmental protection.

Court Upholds Environmental Justice Permitting Rule: Key Insights

As a growing number of states consider permitting laws that account for cumulative impacts in environmentally overburdened communities, a recent court decision upheld one state’s approach. In early 2026, the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court upheld the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) environmental justice permitting regulations, affirming the state’s implementation of its groundbreaking environmental justice statute. The court concluded that the agency acted reasonably and within its statutory authority, and consistently applied judicial deference to the agency’s decision-making. The Appellate Division’s analysis of the statutory framework and the rulemaking process may provide insights and guidance for other states considering similar legislative or regulatory approaches.

Pending Supreme Court Case Could Limit Agency Enforcement Authority

The Supreme Court is considering a case that could extend its landmark finding in SEC v. Jarkesy, which held that the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) adjudication process for securities fraud infringed on the Seventh Amendment right to a jury. The Court heard arguments last month in FCC v. AT&T, as it considers whether penalty orders the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued against AT&T and Verizon for the companies’ alleged failure to protect customers’ location data implicated the Seventh Amendment. The case could curtail agency enforcement authority and affect not only the FCC, but also the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and several other agencies. A pending district court challenge to FERC’s enforcement authority underscores what’s at stake.

Energy Law Resource Library

Updated May 21, 2026

The Energy Law Resource Library is a collection of educational resources from the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center and other organizations to help you in your energy law practice. This page will be continually updated with new resources.