North America: Environment

Tennessee became the first state in the United States to implement a fusion-specific regulatory framework that aligns with a federal regulatory template on 9 June 2026. Administered by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Division of Radiological Health (Division), the framework establishes state-level licensing and registration structure for fusion machines and fusion processes.

The D.C. Circuit Court has upheld EPA's designation of PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA hazardous substances, rejecting all industry challenges and confirming significant compliance and liability implications for companies. This decision establishes that these "forever chemicals" can now form the basis for federal Superfund response actions and cost-recovery claims, while leaving broader questions about PFAS regulation and enforcement still in motion.

On July 21, CARB hosted a public workshop to clarify the near-term implementation path for SB 253, focusing on reporting deadlines, phased Scope 3 reporting, insurance-company treatment, and assurance. During the workshop, CARB introduced a new initial reporting deadline of November 10, 2026 for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reporting, and discussed phased-in Scope 3 reporting beginning in 2027. CARB also signaled that future rules will rely heavily on the GHG Protocol, including disclosures on methodology, boundaries, emissions factors, data sources, and global warming potential values, and previewed expected future application of the climate reporting laws to insurance companies.

La SEMARNAT publicó un acuerdo que establece criterios obligatorios para prohibir actividades mineras en Áreas Naturales Protegidas federales, reforzando la aplicación del artículo 46 de la LGEEPA.

On Aug. 18, 2026, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05 (EO 2026-05). The order directs state agencies — principally the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Revenue (DOR), and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) — to condition certain permitting, tax, and incentive-related actions on compliance with the governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements.

Effective August 13, 2026, organizations carrying out certain industrial activities in Québec may face minimum environmental fines up to 10 times higher for violations of the Environment Quality Act (EQA).

New Mexico's Environment Department has opened a public comment portal for stakeholders to weigh in on the state's review of exemptions under the PFAS Protection Act, including the controversial fluoropolymer exemption. The review stems from a legislative memorial requesting analysis of whether current exemptions should be retained, modified, or removed based on public health, environmental, and economic risks. NMED will incorporate public feedback into its report ahead of a November 2026 presentation to st

Chicago has become the latest city to push back against new data center development. On August 11, 2026, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed Executive Order 2026-5, titled “Protecting Chicagoans’ Clean Water, Clean Air, Energy Affordability, and Quality of Life.” The Order establishes an enhanced regulatory framework for data center development in Chicago. In the Order, the Mayor calls on the City Council to enact a temporary moratorium on new data center construction and material expansions of existing facilities.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) continues to refine the implementation of California’s landmark greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting law, the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (SB 253). During a public workshop held on July 21, 2026...

The Texas Environmental Superconference convened leading regulators, industry representatives, and environmental practitioners to examine critical developments in environmental and natural resources law. What are the most pressing issues facing environmental policy today, from data centers and water management to climate transition and enforcement strategies?

Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations have created a rapidly growing compliance credit market, with prices reaching $358.18 by June 2026. However, carbon dioxide removal technologies like bioenergy with carbon capture and storage remain excluded from participating in this valuable market, creating competitive disadvantages for Canadian CDR companies compared to their U.S. counterparts and raising questions about regulatory alignment with Canada's net-zero climate goals.

This comprehensive alert examines the most significant environmental policy developments across Latin America from April to June 2026, covering major legislative reforms, conservation initiatives, and international cooperation efforts. From Chile's expansion of marine reserves to Mexico's proposed overhaul of environmental law, and Colombia's pioneering conference on fossil fuel elimination, the report analyzes how governments are reshaping environmental governance. The alert provides critical insights into