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.
- HighNew York
New York opens comments on scope of statewide data center environmental review; deadline October 20
The study that must be finished before state permits for large data centers resume now has a draft outline, and its final shape may govern how later projects are reviewed.
- MediumNew York
New York City outlines truck-pollution duties for warehouses of 50,000 square feet or more
The City's environmental agency described a proposed points system, based on truck trips, that large warehouse operators would have to meet, with environmental review due to start this fall and an estimated 2028 start.
- MediumNew Jersey
Federal: Highway, transit and rail agencies finalize new environmental review rules, in force September 1, 2026
The Federal Highway, Transit and Railroad administrations made their post-CEQ review rules final on September 1, 2026. They govern highway, transit and rail projects in all four states. Exclusion cost thresholds rise to $6 million and $35 million.
- MediumNew Jersey
New Jersey Supreme Court agrees to review the state's environmental justice permit rules
The Court granted review in July 2026 of the rules that can require denial of permits for new facilities in overburdened communities. The Appellate Division upheld them on January 5, 2026. No stay of the rules was reported; the questions include facilities next to such communities and what counts as a new facility.
In courtEnvironmental review & justice - MediumNew Jersey
New Jersey's top court will review environmental justice permit rules, which remain in force meanwhile
The appeal tests how the rules reach facilities next to overburdened communities and which operations count as new facilities that can be denied permits.
In courtEnvironmental review & justice - HighNew York
New York City issues preliminary guidance on exempting housing rezonings from environmental review
A qualifying housing rezoning in New York City can now enter public land use review without an environmental assessment, while reviews of rezonings that do not qualify are now subject to statutory deadlines.
- MediumNew York
New York now sets deadlines for full environmental reviews and exempts some housing on developed sites
A local board that orders a full environmental review must now decide and finish within statutory time limits, and qualifying housing on previously disturbed sites is exempt from review.