Farella Braun + Martel's Air Quality and Climate Change Group is at the forefront of the emerging area of regulatory requirements affecting carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emission. We provide clients strategic advice to help them navigate business opportunities and risks, develop and enhance air quality management programs, meet or exceed the regulatory requirements, respond to claims or enforcement actions concerning air emissions, secure variances from existing permits or regulatory requirements, analyze carbon footprint issues, and review and develop climate change management programs and practices.

We have extensive experience representing clients before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Air Resources Board (CARB) and regional Air Quality Management and Air Pollution Control Districts throughout California in regulatory proceedings and administrative, civil and criminal enforcement actions involving both stationary and mobile sources. We regularly advise and represent our clients in matters relating to facility siting, expansion and decommissioning, issuance of air quality permits, variances and emissions reduction credits (ERCs), and the acquisition and sale of permitted facilities and ERCs. Our expertise includes assisting clients in developing sound risk management practices to evaluate and address sources of emissions that may impact air quality. 

In addition to compliance counseling and representation on air quality issues, the Group has years of experience assisting large and small companies in developing programs for sustainable business practices. Whether relating to emerging regional climate change initiatives in the Northeast or Pacific States, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), EPA's Climate Leaders program, the Carbon Disclosure Project, or the potential for local, national or global carbon markets, we help our clients manage the changing regulatory landscape, address business interests and minimize litigation risks. 

From local and regional air quality compliance and representation to national and international greenhouse gas reduction strategies, we assist our clients in forecasting and managing the challenges to maintain their competitive advantage.

Firm Highlights

Event

19th Annual Renewable Energy Law Institute

Dirk Mueller is speaking at the University of Texas School of Law 19 th Annual Renewable Energy Law Institute on "Mineral Issues Impact on Real Estate Documents, Siting and Planning: Texas vs. California." Session Overview :   Understanding...

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News

Proposal for Bar Exam Alternative Goes to California Supreme Court

Sarah Good, a member of the State Bar of California Board of Trustees, was quoted in The Recorder article, "Proposal for Bar Exam Alternative Goes to California Supreme Court." Read the article here (subscription...

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News

State Bar of California Board of Trustees Approves Plan to Pilot Portfolio Bar Exam

Sarah Good, a member of the State Bar of California Board of Trustees, spoke to KQED Newscast about the Board of Trustees's proposal to pilot a Portfolio Bar Exam.

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Publication

New Proposed Regulations Defining Donor Advised Fund Terms

Welcome to EO Radio Show - Your Nonprofit Legal Resource . Episode 63 explores new proposed regulations important to the administration of Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department...

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Publication

A Summary of New Laws Coming for California Employers in 2024

In 2023, California has adopted several new employment laws either introducing new employee protections or codifying existing practices into state law. With these changes, employers will need to examine and adjust some of their...

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News

Farella Braun + Martel Earns 2024 Best Law FirmsĀ® Rankings

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Event

2024 Environmental & Energy, Mass Torts, and Products Liability Litigation Committees' Joint Regional CLE Program

Sarah Bell will moderate the panel "PFAS: Everything Everywhere All at Once"  at the American Bar Association's 2024 Environmental & Energy, Mass Torts, and Products Liability Litigation Committees' Joint Regional CLE Program. Session Overview: PFAS...

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Publication

An Introduction to DAFs and Overview of the Newly Proposed DAF Regulations

Welcome to EO Radio Show - Your Nonprofit Legal Resource. I’m Cynthia Rowland, and episode 62 describes new proposed regulations important to the administration of donor advised funds. The Internal Revenue Service and the...

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Event

The New Frontier AI Legal Issues for In-House Counsel

Sushila Chanana is a panelist for the session, "The New Frontier AI Legal Issues for In-House Counsel,"   at the Bar Association of San Francisco's In-House Counsel Conference 2024. To register for the event, please click ...

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Publication

California Proposes New AI & Automated Decision-Making Technology Regulations

The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) released its draft  regulatory framework for automated decision-making technology (ADMT) on November 27. These regulations are a preview of what new requirements may look like for companies currently...

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