CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS
White House Announces Clean Energy Initiative to Implement Climate Change Emissions Reduction119
Study Concludes that Climate Change Intensifies California’s Drou- ght120
Wind Group Reduces Wind Generated Energy Turbine Speed to Save
Bats122
CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE
Recent Scientific Studies on Climate Change124
PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS
Recent Investigations, Settlements, Penalties, and Sanctions127
REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
EPA Issues Proposed Rules to Curb Methane Emissions from the Oil and Gas Industry130
Interior Department and Bureau of Land Management Approve 485-Megawatt Blythe Mesa Solar Project132
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Reports that July was the Hottest Month on Earth in 136 Years133
California State Water Resources Control Board Approves General Waste Discharge Requirements for Composting Operations134
LAWSUITS FILED OR PENDING
Fifteen States Join in Challenge to EPA’s Clean Power Plan Via Writ Filed in the D.C. Circuit136
Newly Adopted Los Angeles Transportation Plan Challenged under CEQA over its Potential to Worsen Traffic Congestion137
RECENT FEDERAL DECISIONS
Second Circuit Affirms Narrow Reading of Force Majeure Clause in New York Oil and Gas Leases in Connection with Fracking Moratorium139
Beardslee v. Inflection Energy, LLC, ___F.3d___, Case No. 12-4897 (2nd Cir. Aug. 19, 2015).
District Court Upholds California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard141
American Fuels & Petrochemical Manufacturers Association v. Corey, ___F.Supp.3d___, Case No. 1:09-cv-02234 (E.D. Cal. Aug. 28, 2015).
