In the wake of the Los Angeles fires and amid a growing wildfire crisis, Doug Green, manager of Headwaters Economics’ Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire (CPAW) program, joins Andrew Kihn, programming vice chair of the Forest Resources Committee, for a conversation about the L.A. fires, the broader wildfire emergency, and the political and regulatory landscape of wildfire management in the United States. They discuss persistent challenges facing communities in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) and highlight best practices for improving wildfire preparedness in both the built environment and America’s forested lands.
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28:30
Redefining EPA Authority—San Francisco v. EPA
Join Tim Kelly (Hausfeld) and Misha Tseytlin (Troutman Pepper Locke) as they unpack the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in City and County of San Francisco v. EPA. The ruling struck down the EPA’s use of “end-result” requirements in NPDES permits, ruling that the Clean Water Act (CWA) does not authorize the agency to impose permit conditions that hold dischargers responsible for overall water quality in receiving waters. The decision has significant implications for municipal wastewater treatment, regulatory enforcement, and the scope of the EPA’s authority under the CWA. In this episode, they explore: The legal reasoning behind the Court’s decision, including highlights from the majority and dissenting opinions The implications for municipal wastewater treatment plants, particularly those operating combined sewer systems How the decision impacts the EPA’s regulatory powers and enforcement strategies What this means for the future of Clean Water Act litigation and the evolving role of state environmental agencies Whether you're a legal practitioner, environmental policy expert, or simply interested in water law, this episode offers valuable insight into a pivotal case reshaping federal environmental regulation.
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36:44
The Future of NEPA: 2025 and Beyond
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) landscape is shifting fast. With major developments like Eagle County, Marin Audubon, Section 5 of President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order, and several critical cases on the horizon, the way NEPA is applied and interpreted is set for a major transformation. Join Susan Jane Brown (Silvix Resources) in a thought-provoking discussion with Ted Boling (Perkins Coie Partner, former member of the Council on Environmental Quality) and Dinah Bear (former General Counsel of the Council on Environmental Quality). Together, they’ll break down these pivotal changes, what they mean for environmental policy, and how NEPA’s role may evolve in the years ahead. Don’t miss this essential conversation for legal professionals, policymakers, and anyone invested in the future of environmental law.
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44:48
Mill Closures and Workforce Shortages in the West: Episode 3 - Conservation Implications
In the third episode of the Mill Closures and Workforce Shortages in the West series, Andrew Kihn is joined by Susan Jane Brown, Principal and Chief of Silvix Resources, a nonprofit environmental law firm. Together, they explore the implications of the ongoing workforce challenges on the conservation, stewardship, and restoration of western public lands. The two discuss the often fraught relationship between communities dependent on timber harvest and conservation interests, and Susan Jane Brown elucidates the opportunities and imperatives of coalition building across the divide.
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31:48
Mill Closures and Workforce Shortages in the West: Episode 2 - The Role of Land Management Policy
In the second episode of the Mill Closures and Workforce Shortages in the West series, Andrew Kihn returns, joined by Travis Joseph, President and CEO of the American Forest Resource Council. Together, they delve into the role of land management policies in addressing workforce challenges from the perspective of the timber trade association. Building on the foundation laid in the first episode, this discussion highlights how policy solutions can mitigate the workforce shortages tied to the ongoing closures of lumber mills in the American West. Travis Joseph provides insights into how these closures impact both the timber industry and the broader regional economy, offering actionable approaches to support sustainable forest management and workforce retention.
About Environmental Law Explored: A Podcast SEERies
Top environmental, energy, and resources lawyers discuss career development, legal issues, historical trends, and new developments in environmental law.
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