Worldwide: Water

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a comprehensive verification audit of data center projects in ERCOT's interconnection process, fundamentally altering the regulatory landscape for the industry. The directive introduces new "community impact" requirements covering tax incentives, water usage, noise controls, and ownership disclosure, while state legislators threaten to repeal sales tax exemptions.

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?

Ankura's insights hub showcases their latest thought leadership across cybersecurity threats, corporate governance reforms, regulatory investigations, and market analysis. From building envelope litigation to AI-driven cyber risks and retail sector dynamics, these expert perspectives address critical challenges facing businesses today.

Given the deregulatory approach taken by the Trump administration on PFAS maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) (as detailed in Part I) and the money his administration is making available for states (as detailed in Part II), this Part III analyzes the other side of the Trump administration’s environmental federalism – what the states are doing. States have responded in varying ways to the reduced federal action for PFAS MCLs, including some acting directly in response to the Trump administration’s recent MCL changes.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released its draft sixth Contaminant Candidate List under the Safe Drinking Water Act, marking a significant regulatory development by including microplastics...

Environmental groups push for statewide regulation of polluted stormwater runoff from commercial properties, while President Trump announces funding for a controversial coal-export terminal and the EPA launches an initiative to accelerate superfund site cleanups. California's Air Resources Board approves major changes to its cap-and-invest program, creating a $4 billion decarbonization fund amid concerns from climate advocates.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the past two months has undertaken an extraordinary level of activity in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) regulation and technical guidance.

Companies making environmental marketing claims face mounting legal challenges from multiple fronts, including state and local regulators, consumer class actions, and competitor litigation. Recent enforcement actions reveal how recyclability claims, eco-friendly labels, and sustainability messaging are being scrutinized under various consumer protection laws, creating a complex compliance landscape for businesses advertising green products.

The data center market is moving at hyper-speed (pun intended). Data center developers, hyperscalers, and others are racing to acquire land, secure power, and deliver capacity as soon as possible.