Worldwide: Climate Change

On August 31, 2026, a district judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York held that the State’s Climate Change Superfund Act (or the Act) is preempted and thus cannot be enforced. West Virginia v. James, No. 1:25-cv-00168 (N.D.N.Y. 2026).

California's Air Resources Board has opened its voluntary reporting platform for the first cycle of greenhouse gas emissions disclosure under SB 253, establishing November 10, 2026 as the deadline and clarifying that companies may submit existing reports rather than creating new CARB-specific documents. The guidance addresses critical implementation questions including consolidated reporting mechanics, fee assessment structures, and first-year enforcement discretion for entities without established data col

Tick-borne diseases are surging across North America and beyond as climate change, ecological shifts, and human behavior converge to expand tick habitats and extend seasonal activity periods. With Lyme disease cases climbing and new tick species establishing themselves in previously unaffected regions, the effectiveness and regulation of insect repellents has become a critical public health concern that varies dramatically across jurisdictions.

California faces mounting water challenges as Lake Mead and Lake Powell reach historic lows, prompting innovative solutions like interstate water sharing and desalination programs. Meanwhile, state lawmakers debate how to balance the water demands of AI-driven data centers with conservation needs, and regulators advance major infrastructure projects including the controversial Delta Conveyance Tunnel and Sites Reservoir amid environmental concerns.

On 21 July 2026, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) held a virtual workshop to discuss updates and take questions from the public on the greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting required by Senate Bill (SB) 253.

The California Air Resources Board has refined its approach to implementing SB 253's greenhouse gas reporting requirements, proposing a phased category-based system for Scope 3 emissions and aligning regulations with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Companies with over $1 billion in annual revenue doing business in California face November 2026 deadlines for initial Scope 1 and 2 reporting, with expanded requirements and third-party assurance mandates taking effect in 2027.

The European Commission is preparing amendments to the EU Taxonomy Climate Delegated Act to simplify technical screening criteria and reduce administrative burdens for companies reporting on sustainable activities. The proposed changes, set to take effect January 1, 2027, aim to streamline compliance processes while maintaining environmental standards and expanding the scope of eligible activities.

Jones Day's Climate Report for Q2 2026 examines critical regulatory developments including the UK's new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and EU Taxonomy amendments, alongside landmark litigation such as Maryland's dismissal of climate suits against energy companies and challenges to EPA's repeal of greenhouse gas standards. The report also explores emerging transactional trends in climate risk pricing, nature-based infrastructure financing, and green data center regulations across multiple jurisdictions.

California's Air Resources Board has announced a three-month extension for the first greenhouse gas emissions reports required under the state's Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, moving the deadline from August 10, 2026, to November 10, 2026.