Briefings
What changed in environmental, land-use and permitting rules for development in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania: what happened, who is affected and the next date that matters.
- MediumNew Jersey
New Jersey holds October 15 hearings on a tighter power plant carbon cap from 2027
A pending state proposal would align New Jersey’s carbon allowance program with the regional model rule from January 2027; comments close November 7, and a separate hearing addresses allowance prices and bills.
ProposedAir & climateEnergy & grid - HighPennsylvania
Federal: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and central Pennsylvania counties may face stricter air permits under soot standard
EPA has signaled which areas may be found to violate the 2024 fine-particle standard, including four South Jersey counties. Comments close November 5; final designations are due by February 6, 2027.
ProposedAir & climate - MediumFairfield County, CT
Connecticut grants contested hearing on Brookfield gas compressor expansion before air permits issue, groups report
State environmental regulators have granted a trial-type hearing on air permits for two new gas turbines at the Iroquois pipeline's Brookfield station, according to Save the Sound; no date is set.
ProposedAir & climateEnergy & grid - MediumNew York
New York City reports 95% of properties filed under building emissions law; stricter limits start 2030
The Department of Buildings' first-year report on Local Law 97 shows 95% of large buildings' owners filed for 2024 and 95% of Article 320 filers met their limit. Owners that did not file or exceeded limits face notices and penalties; the 2030 limits are stricter.
LocalAir & climate - MediumPennsylvania
Federal rule limits challenges to construction air permits through operating-permit reviews, effective October 26
A final federal rule says preconstruction air permits issued with public comment and court review define a plant's requirements in its operating permit, narrowing grounds for federal objections and citizen petitions.
FinalAir & climate - MediumMiddlesex County, NJ
New Jersey weighs diesel generator permit for South Brunswick data center; comments now due November 9
A draft state air permit for twelve emergency diesel generators at a data center under construction on Route 1 drew a crowded hearing, a neighboring town's objection and a longer comment period.
ProposedData centersAir & climate - HighCumberland County, NJ
New Jersey fines Vineland data center $1.07 million for running 62 unpermitted gas generators
The state's largest penalty against a data center gives the developer 45 days to obtain air permits or stop running the generators, a warning for projects using on-site bridge power.
- MediumPennsylvania
Federal rule drops carbon capture mandate for new gas plants and repeals limits on existing units
EPA's September 17 rule, effective November 16, removes carbon capture requirements for new baseload gas turbines and existing coal and gas units, while a broader repeal proposal takes comments until November 2.
- MediumNew York
New York finalizes tighter carbon cap on power plants, effective January 1, 2027
DEC and NYSERDA adopted amendments, effective January 1, 2027, that lower the CO2 allowance budget, add a second cost-containment tier, raise the minimum reserve price and end offsets. The changes bear on electricity generating units and on projects whose economics depend on them.
- MediumNew York
New York defers greenhouse gas reporting enforcement dates after May climate-law amendments
DEC will not enforce several 2026 and 2027 reporting dates in its mandatory emissions rule while it develops amendments to that rule. The state's climate act was amended on May 26, 2026; published summaries report that the deadline for implementing regulations moved to December 31, 2028.
FinalAir & climate - HighNew York
New York's all-electric rule for new buildings survives federal appeal; start date unconfirmed
On June 30, 2026 the Second Circuit rejected a federal-preemption challenge to the State's ban on fossil-fuel equipment in new buildings. A court-approved stipulation suspends the State's rules until 120 days after the Second Circuit's mandate if no certiorari petition is timely sought; the mandate date and any petition were not confirmed.
In courtAir & climateEnergy & grid - MediumConnecticut
Federal: Proposed air permit rule would let some non-emitting site work start before the permit issues
EPA's May 13, 2026 proposal would redefine when construction begins under New Source Review so that foundations, utility service and similar non-emitting work could proceed before a permit. Comments closed June 29, 2026. It is not in force.
ProposedAir & climateEnergy & grid