As EPA works to finalize a new existing chemicals risk evaluation framework rule, pending Fifth Circuit decisions and legislation introduced to amend TSCA could complicate the Agency’s plans.
By Julia A. Hatcher, Tom Lee, and Hunter J. Kendrick
For the third time since the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 6 was amended in 2016 to mandate existing chemical risk evaluations, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) is working to finalize a new iteration of
The proposed rule would scale back federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act.
By Nikki Buffa, John C. Heintz, Michael G. Romey, Jennifer K. Roy, Lucas I. Quass, and Samantha Yeager
On November 17, 2025, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers (USACE) (together with EPA, the Agencies) announced a proposed rule that would revise the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the
A new executive order seeks to streamline funding for and construction of data center projects by reducing regulatory red tape.
By Nikki Buffa, Aron Potash, Tal Carmeli, and Shawna Strecker
On July 23, 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order titled “Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure” (the Order). The Order aims to “facilitate the rapid and efficient buildout” of data centers and associated infrastructure such as high‑voltage transmission lines and other equipment by “easing
On July 16, 2025, Latham partners examined the status of clean energy tax credits.
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), which significantly rolls back many of the core tax incentives that clean energy projects have relied on since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022 and implements a host of new restrictions. A White House executive order issued on July 7, 2025, further complicates the picture for solar
The Department of Labor has taken two recent actions that indicate where the approach to retirement investment policy may go under the new administration.
By Betty M. Huber, Benjamin Rosemergy, Aryeh Zuber, and Austin J. Pierce
Policy on the appropriate management of retirement funds has not been spared the tide of changes in the political landscape. While the language of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) sets the standard for plan fiduciaries to act
If finalized, the rule would eliminate both Obama- and Biden-era limits on GHG emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants.
By Karl A. Karg, Stacey L. VanBelleghem, Nikki Buffa, Devin M. O’Connor, and G. Jack Mathews
On June 11, 2025, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed rule under the Clean Air Act (CAA) titled “Repeal of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units” (the Proposed Repeal).
Under the current Obama- and
The Trump administration continued to promote domestic critical mineral explorations and workforce development, while signaling progress in trade negotiations.
This week, President Trump issued several executive orders in furtherance of his policy aims, including orders relating to offshore critical minerals, workforce development, government efficiency, and civil rights. Meanwhile, the administration signaled a forthcoming trade deal with India.
Latham lawyers are carefully monitoring the rollout of President Trump’s policy priorities through executive orders, agency actions, and installment of new personnel. Below
The orders span various sectors and aim to introduce sunset provisions into regulations and eliminate regulations deemed unlawful or anti-competitive.
By Nikki Buffa, Jennifer K. Roy, John Detrich, and Kayla Seltzer
On April 9, 2025, the Trump administration issued three new orders to reevaluate and roll back regulations across various sectors. These orders are a continued step toward implementing the administration’s objective of reducing regulatory burdens on agencies and the public (see our blog post on the
The order instructs the Attorney General to curb state and local climate initiatives and prepare a report within 60 days detailing those efforts.
By Jean-Philippe Brisson, Michael G. Romey, and Matthew Green
On April 8, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Protecting American Energy From State Overreach” (the Order). The Order asserts that certain state and local laws undermine American energy dominance and, by extension, national security.
For a high-level overview of the Order, see this
The Trump administration continued to focus on increasing efficiency in government contracting, among other policy aims.
This week, President Trump issued several executive orders in furtherance of his policy aims, including orders relating to increasing efficiency in the government contracting process, assessing the impact of importation of critical minerals on national security, investigating how to reduce prescription drug prices, and changing the way the government evaluates environmental permits. Meanwhile, the tariff landscape continued to evolve, and California brought a legal