Written by: Thane Zeeh Environmental laws affect Pennsylvanians in significant ways, whether through easements impacting individual land ownership,[1] the discharge of industrial waste and pollution in water sources,[2] or hazardous air pollution harming air quality.[3] One of the most significant legal mechanisms that impact the environment are environmental regulations.[4] Environmental […]
Articles by: Joule Staff
The Future of Environmental Law Under the New Trump Administration
Written by: Alexandra Brooks On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump was sworn into office as the 47th President of the United States.[1] Within a day’s time, President Trump signed a series of executive actions revoking 78 of former President Joe Biden’s policies altering the landscape of environmental law […]
The Battle for Oyster Rights: The Laws Impact on American Aquaculture
Written by: Zachary Atkins Oysters have long played a vital role in America’s coastal ecosystems and economy.[1] These remarkable creatures help purify the water and sustain the livelihoods of many Americans through aquaculture.[2] Modern oyster farming is an intensive process that requires significant investment as farmers must prepare estuary bottoms […]
Civil and Criminal Penalties in Action: The Rudy’s Case and the EPA’s Mission
Written by: Rachel Schade It is well known that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) key priority is protecting the nation’s air resources and quality.[1] One significant means of protection includes stopping aftermarket defeat devices for vehicles and engines.[2] Defeat devices illegally modify vehicles through a software designed to defeat […]
President Biden Leaves a Mixed Legacy on Drilling on Public Land
Written by: Cameron Gallentine On the campaign trail leading up to the 2020 Election, President Biden styled himself as a more proactive steward of the environment than any past president.[1] During a 2020 presidential debate, he even promised to stop new drilling for oil on public lands.[2] After the election, […]
A Legal Blueprint for Climate Activism: Insights from Juliana v. United States
Written by: Mark Schaeffer Introduction Juliana v. United States is a landmark climate lawsuit that has captured the attention of environmentalists, legal scholars, and policymakers alike. Filed in 2015 by twenty-one young plaintiffs represented by Our Children’s Trust (collectively “the plaintiffs”), the case argues that the U.S. government’s failure to […]
Breathless in Texas: The Urgent Call to Tackle Air Pollution Ignored by TCEQ
Written by: Rachel Schade Photo Provided by Dylan Baddour/Inside Climate News at https://www.texastribune.org/2023/07/30/texas-tceq-1-mile-rule-pollution-citizen-complaints/ In the hustle and bustle of our busy modern society, there remains one silent and often ignored threat: our own air quality. As we strive to meet the growing demands of our nation, air pollution has […]
First Smuggling Charge of Greenhouse Gases into the United States
Written by: Natalee Codispot First Smuggling Charge of Greenhouse Gases into the United States On March 4, 2024, Michael Hart was arrested in violation of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (“AIM Act”) of 2020.[1] The AIM Act[2] authorizes the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) to phase […]
Should Fracking Brine Be Disposed in Plum Borough Outside Pittsburgh?
Written By: Kate Sullivan A local Pittsburgh suburb, Plum Borough, has fought its zoning hearing board (“ZHB”) on its approval of a request by Penneco Environmental Solutions, LLC (“Penneco”) to add another underground injection well on its property to dispose of fracking waste for customers.[1] There are limited means to […]
The Hidden Threat of Forever Chemicals
Written By: Jack Indzonka Last November, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals heard a class action lawsuit against 3M and nine other manufacturers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) alleging negligence, battery, and conspiracy claims under laws of Ohio and other states, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief including medical monitoring.[1] […]