May 2011
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New WHO Report Classifies Cell Phones As Possible Carcinogen
On May 31, 2011, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (“IARC”) announced that it was classifying radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2b) based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer. Continue reading
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Chicago Readies for Warmer, Wetter Climate
The New York Times reports that the City of Chicago has been developing plans that will enable the City to adapt to global warming. The City commissioned climatologists to model the impact that global emissions of carbon dioxide could have on Chicago’s climate. Continue reading
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U.S. EPA Directs Illinois to Revise Water Quality Standards to Facilitate Recreational Use of the Chicago River
n May 11, 2011, U.S. EPA notified the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (“IEPA”) that Illinois’ water quality standards for portions of the Chicago and Calumet Rivers needed to be upgraded to protect the health and safety of persons who utilize these waterways for recreational purposes. Currently, these waterways are designated as Secondary Contact Waters pursuant… Continue reading
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Bureau of Land Management Issues Rule to Protect Solar and Wind Projects from Mining Claims
On April 26, 2011, the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) published a proposed rule that would prevent mining claims from being filed on public lands that BLM has designated for rights of way for wind- or solar-energy projects or for which an application for a right of way is pending. Continue reading
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D.C. Circuit Rejects Auto Dealers’ Challenge to California Limits on GHG Emissions from Vehicles
On April 29, 2011, the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Automobile Dealers Association lacked standing to challenge California’s rules for GHG emissions from new vehicles. Continue reading
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EU Revises Emissions Trading System to Reduce Free Allowances
On April 27, 2011, the European Commission (the EU’s executive body) announced updates to the EU’s Emissions Trading System. Previously, the system was based on fixed national emissions caps, and the vast majority of installations, including electricity generators, received free emissions allowances pegged to their level of historical emissions. This system, however, had the effect… Continue reading
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EPA Extends Deadlines for Use of Best Available Monitoring Methods for Calculating GHG Emissions from Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems
On April 25, 2011, EPA reconsidered a rule issued in November 2010 and published a new final rule that grants owners and operators of petroleum and natural gas systems three extra months in which to: apply for permission to use; use; and seek an extension of permission to use best available monitoring methods (“BAMM”) to… Continue reading
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Gabrielle Sigel to Speak At Chicago Bar Association Environmental Law Committee Regarding Chrome Regulation
On May 3, 2011, Gabrielle Sigel, a partner in Jenner & Block’s Environmental Law Department, shall provide a presentation to the Environmental Law Committee of the Chicago Bar Association addressing the overlap in OSHA and EPA regulation regarding chrome use in the workplace. Continue reading