Common Resources

Unconventional Fuel Production and Water Resources

Crude oil and natural gas production from unconventional reservoirs is experiencing accelerated growth in North America, much of which is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. This shift in the energy industry has been accompanied by rising concerns over its potential impact on water resources. Developing these fuels is thought to require more water […]

Deconstructing the Expected Impact of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards in December 2011 to regulate mercury and other toxic air pollutants from coal- and oil-fired power plants. The regulation is expected to be one of the most costly in EPA history, with many plants forced to install new pollution controls or shut […]

Federal Climate Regulation Beyond the Clean Air Act

After several comprehensive climate regulation bills stalled in the 111th Congress, EPA has moved to regulate CO2 emissions under its Clean Air Act (CAA) authority. But climate legislation would have preempted CAA carbon regulation, and any future law would likely require a similar compromise. It might require more - other statutes can provide regulatory authority […]