39 Essex Chambers’ Post

🌍 Building on our commitment to Environmental Justice (EJ), we are thrilled to share the second installment in our article series, diving deeper into practical strategies for integrating EJ into project planning. This latest article, authored by my colleague Will Bohlender, outlines a comprehensive, data-driven approach designed to ensure that large-scale projects not only comply with ethical standards but also enhance their strategic value by proactively addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities. By prioritizing Environmental Justice, we help streamline project permitting, construction, and operation—all while delivering substantial community benefits.🛠️🤝🌱 Discover how our practical steps, from identifying critical EJ indicators to quantifying benefits for affected communities, can transform project planning into a tool for sustainable growth and social equity 👉 https://lnkd.in/dEUYZg94 #environmentaljustice #socialsustainability #sustainablechange #ProactiveEJ

Purchasing land in #NSW is expensive at the best of times - so it’s important to know the ‘true’ value of the asset you’re buying 💸 Environmental investigations will uncover potential contamination and shine a light on the real cost to remediate and validate a parcel of land. Expert environmental consultant Ehsan Zare shares his 3 steps for due diligence when buying NSW property. Learn more. https://lnkd.in/gGkfnJ6y #NEOConsulting #constructionNSW #EnvironmentalInvestigations

I see a lot of companies focusing on GHG emissions in the sustainability world, but there are a lot of pressing social issues that companies should be considering as well, including environmental justice! If you haven't previously thought about this, I highly recommend checking out this article by my colleague Will Bohlender - it's a great summary of why you need to start thinking about EJ in your projects going forward!

In August 2024, the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (RPC) nominated an area of Palm Bay, referred to as “the compound”, for a planning project under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Land Use Revitalization Technical Assistance Program. The City of Palm Bay was notified in September that EPA will fund an Action Plan for “the compound” that incorporates sustainable development consideration to encourage catalytic moves that will stimulate economic growth. The Technical Assistance provided by EPA Region 4 is valued at $100,000, with no match required by the City. Read the full release: https://lnkd.in/e-FdNDWg

If you haven't got your ticket for tomorrow's event, there's still time to join us as we discuss the delicate balance between environmental and economic pressures in the water sector, with a focus on supply side infrastructure! There's so much to say on this topic I doubt we will get through as much as we'd like, but come and be part of the conversation. For details on how to book, see below. Meyrick Gough Joanne Holbrook Nicholas Ostrowski #environment #watersupply #infrastrcuture

Can a Local Environmental Plan Override an Easement? Easements are essential in defining property rights, but can a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) override these rights to facilitate development? Our latest article delves into this complex interaction, spotlighting the case of JEA Holdings v Registrar-General of NSW as a key example. We explore the mechanisms under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 that empower LEPs to suspend easements when they conflict with development objectives. This analysis is crucial for property owners and developers facing legal constraints posed by existing easements. https://lnkd.in/g87dS4K6

The Department of the Interior's Orphaned Wells Program Office has released new guidance for Phase 2 of the Tribal Orphaned Well Site Plugging, Remediation, and Restoration Grants. This guidance outlines several increased environmental compliance requirements that tribal governments must adhere to when applying for and managing these grants. Forvis Mazars US has the details: https://lnkd.in/gj97Y9Mn

On October 23, 2024, the California First District Court of Appeal released its decision on People of the State of California Ex Rel. Rob Bonta, Attorney General, et al. v. County of Lake. The ruling addressed the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared for the Guenoc Valley Mixed-Use Planned Development Project, a luxury resort consisting of residential estate villas, hotel units, and related infrastructure on 16,000 acres in an unincorporated and largely undeveloped area of Lake County known as the Guenoc Valley Ranch. The ruling includes important practitioner guidance relating to adequacy of wildfire risk analysis, use of a carbon credit program for greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, analysis of impacts of a potential future off-site groundwater well, and consideration of information provided after preparation of the Final EIR. Read our full analysis to understand what this means for your environmental documentation and project planning. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/guS7Rymt

🌍 What’s the Future of US EPA Brownfields & EJ Grants? Since the 1990s, these grant programs have supported community revitalization and environmental justice, with funding growing significantly in recent years. Key milestones include: 2021: $1B added for Brownfield Grants via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) 2024: Launch of $2B Environmental & Climate Justice Grants. While Brownfields funding remains bipartisan and historically resilient, EJ and climate resiliency funding could face challenges. Efforts in 2025-2026 might scale back remaining funds from the BIL and Inflation Reduction Act. Read the full article by Chris Gdak for insights on leveraging these programs for lasting change: https://hubs.ly/Q02_-ST60 #Brownfields #EnvironmentalJustice #CommunityDevelopment

Here’s an analysis of a recent CEQA decision affecting wildfire risk analysis with practitioner’s guidance. The full article has a link to access the court decision.