CLIMATE CHANGE NEWS
Pacific Institute Releases Study that Maps the Overlap of Social Vulnerability and Climate Change Impacts in California131
Pennsylvania Utility Commission to Consider Review of Local ‘Fracking’ Ordinance132
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS
California Legislature Creates a New ‘Right to Water’134
Summary Coverage of Climate Related Bills in California, Hawaii and
Illinois136
CLIMATE CHANGE SCIENCE
Recent Scientific Studies on Climate Change139
PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS
Recent Investigations, Settlements, Penalties, and Sanctions142
REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
President Obama Issues New Executive Order to Federal Agencies to Promote Energy Efficiency144
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Finalize Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Final Rule for Light-Duty Vehicles145
Several States Request Waivers From EPA for Renewable Fuel Standard Volume Requirements146
California Energy Commission Releases White Paper on Legal Barriers to Water and Climate Change Adaptation in California147
California State Water Resources Control Board Will Issue New Requirements for Ocean Desalination Facilities through an Amendment to the Ocean
Plan149
California Air Resources Board Conducts Rehearsal Auction for Its Cap-and-Trade Program152
LAWSUITS FILED OR PENDING
Settlement Looks Imminent in Kentucky Arch Coal Clean Water Case153
JUDICIAL DEVELOPMENTS
Federal:
Ninth Circuit Upholds Regulations Authorizing Incidental Take of Polar Bears and Pacific Walruses for Oil and Gas Exploration in Alaska154
Center for Biological Diversity v. Salazar, ___F.3d___, Case No. 10-35123 (9th Cir. Aug. 21, 2012).
The Aftermath of Deepwater Horizon Washes Up in California—District Court Addresses ESA Concerns over Agency Listing of Petroleum Dispersants157
Center for Biological Diversity v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ___F.Supp.2d___, Case No. C12-01920 (N.D. Cal. Sept. 4, 2012).
