Green Building Law Update

The Intersection of Real Estate, Science, and Law

Tag Archives: Maryland environmental attorney

Maryland Expands Bat Protections: New Law Shifts Approach to Biodiversity

By Stuart Kaplow on Posted in Codes and Regulations, Environmental, Federal, State
Biodiversity degradation is an existential crisis affecting planetary and human health. Since the enactment of the federal Endangered Species Act in 1973, populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, and fish have dropped a shocking 68%. As scientists and policymakers grapple with addressing the rapid and widespread decline in species, states like Maryland are exploring regulatory strategies … Continue Reading

Mandatory GHG Disclosures in Maryland Real Estate Contracts

By Stuart Kaplow on Posted in Codes and Regulations, GHG, greenhouse gas, State
Maryland law now requires specified greenhouse gas emissions disclosures and exchange of performance data in a contract of sale for buildings subject to the state’s Building Energy Performance Standards. Failure to comply with the regulation can have significant financial and legal consequences. Maryland has quietly taken a dramatic regulatory leap, promulgating what is one of … Continue Reading

States Challenge Validity of New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act

By Stuart Kaplow on Posted in Climate Change, Codes and Regulations, GHG
The recent enactment of the Climate Change Superfund Act in New York has set the stage for a significant legal battle over the scope of state authority to impose financial responsibility for purported climate related damages. The outcome of this litigation could have far reaching effects, influencing not only New York but the entire energy … Continue Reading

Gas Stoves Saved: Washington Voters Reject All Electric Building Mandates

By Stuart Kaplow on Posted in Climate Change, Energy, GHG, State
While many Americans were focused on the presidential election last Tuesday, citizens from Washington State and others interested in energy were paying attention to a successful Washington voter initiative protecting access to natural gas for homes and businesses, including preventing regulatory actions to limit access to gas in favor of all electric buildings. On November … Continue Reading

Lawsuit Against Maryland Seeks to Have First Amendment Apply to Green Power

By Stuart Kaplow on Posted in Energy, State
A group of energy companies are suing the State of Maryland challenging the recently enacted Senate Bill 1, which restrains truthfully marketing clean energy products including renewable electricity in the State, in violation of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Maryland Declaration of Rights. They assert that the law imposes an unconstitutional “speech … Continue Reading
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