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Federal Court Upholds NRC's Generic Environmental Review for Nuclear Plant License Renewals

Federal Court Upholds NRC's Generic Environmental Review for Nuclear Plant License Renewals

A federal appeals court has upheld the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) use of a generic environmental analysis for nuclear plant license renewals. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled against environmental groups Beyond Nuclear and the Sierra Club, who challenged the NRC's 2024 revision to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS). The petitioners argued that the NRC failed to adequately consider the risks posed by aging reactor components and climate-driven hazards like storms and flooding. However, the court found that the NRC had reasonably supported its determination that the environmental impacts of severe accidents during extended nuclear plant operation are 'small.' This decision reinforces the NRC's ability to resolve common environmental issues generically, rather than reanalyzing them in every individual licensing proceeding.
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Federal Court Upholds NRC's Generic Severe-Accident Review for Nuclear Plant License Renewals

Federal Court Upholds NRC's Generic Severe-Accident Review for Nuclear Plant License Renewals

A federal appeals court has upheld the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) use of a generic environmental analysis for nuclear plant license renewals. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejected a petition by environmental groups Beyond Nuclear and the Sierra Club, which challenged the NRC's 2024 revision to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS). The petitioners argued that the NRC failed to consider adequately how aging components and climate change could affect the risk of severe reactor accidents. However, the court found that the NRC had reasonably supported its determination that the environmental impacts of severe accidents during extended nuclear plant operation are 'small.' This decision is significant for operating reactor owners, license-renewal applicants, and advanced nuclear developers as it reinforces the NRC's ability to resolve common environmental issues generically.
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Los Angeles Community Fights to Shut Down Murphy Oil Drill Site Over Health Concerns

Los Angeles Community Fights to Shut Down Murphy Oil Drill Site Over Health Concerns

Residents of Jefferson Park in Los Angeles are advocating for the closure of the Murphy oil drilling site, citing health concerns linked to air pollution. The site, operated by E&B Natural Resources, has been associated with increased rates of cancer and respiratory issues among nearby residents. Despite compliance claims by the operator, community members report strong odors and health problems, prompting the city to consider revoking the site's operating permit. A hearing is scheduled to address these concerns, with local residents and environmental groups pushing for the site's closure.
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TVA Nears Completion of Cumberland Natural Gas Plant, Enhancing Power Capacity

TVA Nears Completion of Cumberland Natural Gas Plant, Enhancing Power Capacity

TVA Nears Completion of Cumberland Natural Gas Plant, Enhancing Power Capacity
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Elizabeth Horner Returns to Hunton Andrews Kurth as Environmental Policy Partner

Elizabeth Horner Returns to Hunton Andrews Kurth as Environmental Policy Partner

Elizabeth Horner Returns to Hunton Andrews Kurth as Environmental Policy Partner
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Iowa Environmental Groups Sue State Over Coal Ash Pollution Permits

Iowa Environmental Groups Sue State Over Coal Ash Pollution Permits

Environmental groups in Iowa, including the Iowa Environmental Council (IEC), Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC), and Sierra Club, have filed a lawsuit against the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The lawsuit challenges the DNR's approval of permits that allow hazardous disposal practices at the Ottumwa coal ash landfill. This landfill, associated with the Ottumwa coal-burning power plant co-owned by Alliant Energy and MidAmerican Energy, is accused of polluting Iowa's groundwater and waterways with toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, and lead. These pollutants pose significant health risks to local communities, fish, and wildlife. The groups are demanding that the DNR enforce federal discharge limits adopted in 2024, which require facilities to stop discharging coal ash leachate as soon as possible. However, the current permits lack a timeline for compliance.
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Kirkland Ellis Expands Hiring Amid AI Infrastructure Boom

Kirkland Ellis Expands Hiring Amid AI Infrastructure Boom

Kirkland Ellis Expands Hiring Amid AI Infrastructure Boom
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US energy officials consider power shift in PJM electric grid

US energy officials consider power shift in PJM electric grid

By Laila Kearney NEW YORK, July 23 (Reuters) - U.S. energy officials questioned PJM Interconnection's power structure on Thursday as regulators weigh reforms to the country's largest power grid, which faces the growing risk of blackouts as data center demand soars and little new electricity supply
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Gary Council Passes Resolution for Green Steel Transition

Gary Council Passes Resolution for Green Steel Transition

The Gary Common Council has unanimously passed a resolution urging U.S. Steel to implement green steelmaking technologies in Gary, Indiana. The resolution calls for the installation of a direct reduction furnace and additional facilities to enhance environmental safety and competitiveness. The council plans to collaborate with U.S. Steel to protect jobs, improve public health, and support long-term investment in the city. The resolution has garnered support from local residents and environmental activists, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to green steel for the community's future.
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Elizabeth Horner Returns to Hunton Andrews Kurth as Partner in Environmental Policy Practice

Elizabeth Horner Returns to Hunton Andrews Kurth as Partner in Environmental Policy Practice

Elizabeth Horner Returns to Hunton Andrews Kurth as Partner in Environmental Policy Practice
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Boyle Heights Residents Endure Unbearable Conditions After Warehouse Fire

Boyle Heights Residents Endure Unbearable Conditions After Warehouse Fire

Residents of Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, are facing severe sanitation issues following a fire at the Lineage Logistics cold-storage warehouse. The fire, which occurred last month, has led to the decomposition of millions of pounds of meat, resulting in overwhelming odors, infestations of giant rats, and swarms of flies. Despite efforts by the company to mitigate the situation, including the use of deodorizers and misters, the conditions remain dire. Local businesses are suffering as customers avoid the area due to the stench. Residents have called for a mandatory evacuation to access additional resources, but city officials have yet to issue such an order.
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Congress Considers Legislation to Address Rising Energy Costs from Data Centers

Congress Considers Legislation to Address Rising Energy Costs from Data Centers

The U.S. House of Representatives is considering the Protecting Families From AI Data Center Energy Costs Act, which aims to address the rising energy costs associated with data centers. Introduced by Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH), the bill proposes that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) convene with government entities, utilities, and data center developers to find ways to mitigate the impact of these costs on homeowners. The bill has gained traction with 18 Democratic cosponsors and has been advanced to a full committee markup by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The legislation comes in response to the significant energy demands of data centers, which are expected to increase as more centers are constructed. Currently, there are over 4,000 data centers in the U.S., with Virginia and Texas hosting the largest numbers.