Seven County Infrastructure Coalition: The Supreme Court’s “Substantial Deference” Standard and Implications for Judicial Review under NEPA – Climate Law Blog

  On May 29, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County (No. 23-975) in which it perhaps clarified, perhaps modified, or perhaps announced entirely new standards for judicial review of agency obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Justice Kavanaugh delivered the majority opinion, holding … Read more

New Book Explores How Advisory Opinions Are Shaping International Climate Law – Climate Law Blog

As the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) prepares to release its advisory opinion on climate change on July 3, 2025—joining earlier decisions from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Seas (ITLOS) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), and in anticipation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)’s advisory opinion—The Role … Read more

Examining the Remarkable Rise of Ultra Vires Claims Against the Executive Branch – Climate Law Blog

Since 2016, presidents and their administrations have increasingly drawn lawsuits arguing that they are overstepping their authority. In these ultra vires claims, litigants contend that presidential actions—including, for example, executive orders, proclamations, or memoranda, as well actions by executive agencies done at the President’s behest—exceed the scope of the authority granted to the President by … Read more

The End of Nationwide Injunctions for Federal Funding Award Terminations – Climate Law Blog

On Friday, June 27, the Supreme Court’s term closed and the Court handed down its final opinions, including in a case called Trump v. CASA. The CASA plaintiffs challenged President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship, but the Court’s decision – which made no substantive holdings about citizenship or immigration status – has far broader … Read more

Local Laws and Lawsuits Targeting Renewables Becoming More Prevalent in the US – Climate Law Blog

While federal policy can have a significant impact on renewable energy development, local policy—and local sentiment—can be just as consequential. Between 2018-2023, at least 30% of utility-scale wind and solar projects were cancelled during the siting process, largely because of community opposition, local ordinances, and zoning. For the last five years, the Sabin Center has … Read more

The Hidden Costs of Overcommitment at Work

It starts with good intentions. You offer to take on a little extra—help out here and there. Maybe someone asks for a favor, and you’re happy to step in. Or maybe no one asks; you just see the need and fill it because that’s who you are. You care. You want to be helpful, supportive, … Read more