Environmental, Energy and Climate Change Law & Regulation Reporter

CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS

Home Builders Pledge to Comply with EPA’s New Energy Star Guide-

lines187

Solar Energy Companies Reach a Settlement with Environmental Organizations over Solar Power Projects in San Luis Obispo County188

University Study Examines Ways Companies Introduce Low-Carbon

Solutions to Market189

CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE

Recent Scientific Studies of Climate Change192

LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS

A Brief Summary of Recent California Legislative Bills Relating to Climate Change and Related Issues195

REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS

EPA Announces Changes to Cross-State Air Pollution Rule to Reduce Power Plant Emissions Finalized in July 2011197

U.S. Geological Survey Releases Study on Climate Change and the San Francisco Estuary-Watershed198

PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS

Recent Investigations, Settlements, Penalties, and Sanctions200

LAWSUITS FILED OR PENDING

Indian Tribe Alleges that Proposed Wind Farm Will Interfere with Tribe’s Mineral Rights203

Conservation Groups File Suit Challenging EPA Exemption to Biomass Facilities under the Clean Air Act204

California Farm Bureau Files Action to Challenge Williamson Act Cancellation on Solar Power Development Project207

JUDICIAL DEVELOPMENTS

U.S. District Court Finds The ESA Does Not Require The FWS to Regulate GHG Emission to Protect the Polar Bear209

In Re Polar Bear Endangered Species Act Listing and §4(d) Rule Litigation, Case No. No. 08-764 (D.C. Dist. Oct. 17, 2011).

District Court Finds Arizona Lottery Funds Must Be Used Towards the Clean Air Act State Implementation Plan211

Paisley v. Darwin, ___F.Supp.2d___, Case No. CV-10-1253-PHX-DGC (D. Ariz. Sept. 2, 2011).