
Green Economy Law Blog
Irish Supreme Court Delivers Second Landmark European Climate Decision
On July 31st, Ireland’s Supreme Court held that the Irish government’s current climate plan failed to meet the requirements set out in the statutory Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act of 2015. The ruling will require the government to (a) revise its plan to realise greater near-term emission reductions, and (b) better specify how Ireland will achieve the Act’s long-term objective of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
BlackRock’s Sustainability Moves Fail to Impress
BlackRock’s climate-related actions to date have been tepid, especially considering the firm’s stature.
No Country for New Pipelines
Due to immense, and growing, political and legal opposition, those seeking to build pipelines are increasingly finding them more trouble than they’re worth.
US Dept. of Labor Proposes Rules to Hinder ESG Investment
On June 23, 2020, the US Department of Labor proposed regulations to prohibit private industry pension plans, governed under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), from investing in ESG investment vehicles if doing so would prioritize non-financial objectives over purely financial ones (i.e., increasing returns for plan beneficiaries).
British Columbia to Allow Benefit Company Incorporation
On June 30, 2020, British Columbia will become the first province in Canada to allow companies to incorporate as for-profit “benefit companies” with a commitment to conducting business in a responsible, sustainable manner and promoting one or more public benefits.
Alberta Ruled Against the Carbon Tax; What Will the Supreme Court of Canada Decide?
Will the Supreme Court of Canada uphold the constitutionality of the carbon tax? Or agree with the Alberta Court of Appeal and strike it down?
Launch of Green Economy Law Professional Corporation
Today, I am happy to announce the launch of Green Economy Law Professional Corporation.