ARTICLES & POSTS

We are pleased to announce that Jacob H. Zoghlin has been named to the Rochester Business Journal’s 2025  Power List for Environmental Leaders. This recognition honors people who have made significant contributions to climate advocacy and sustainability efforts in the Rochester region. Jacob serves as Chair of Underberg & Kessler’s Environmental Law  and Municipal Law  practice groups and is a Partner in the firm’s Cannabis Law , Litigation  and Real Estate & Finance  practi

In Part 3 of our SEQRA Step-By-Step series, we explained how to complete the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF), an essential tool for evaluating potential environmental impacts. In this installment, we move to the next major phases of the SEQRA process: coordinated review and determining significance. These steps determine how multiple agencies work together and whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be required. Coordinated Review Under SEQRA Coordinated revi

On October 24, 2025, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was directed by the Albany County Supreme Court in the case Citizen Action of New York et al v. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation  (Index No. 903160-25, NYSCEF Doc. No. 93) to promulgate final regulations implementing the emissions-reduction mandates of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The court gave DEC until February 6, 2026, to complete t

In Part 2 of our SEQRA Step-by-Step series, we discussed the first procedural step once you determine that SEQRA applies —classifying the action. In this installment, we move to the next step: completing the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF). The type of EAF required depends on how the action is classified. Understanding which form to use, and how to complete it, is essential to complying with SEQRA and keeping the review process on track. Type I Actions As discussed in the

When New Yorkers went to the polls in November 2021, more than 70% voted in favor of adding a new environmental right to the State...

In Part 1 of our SEQRA Step-by-Step series, we explored the purpose of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and...

We are pleased to introduce a blog series exploring the ins and outs of the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). In...

Across New York State and the country, communities are seeing a wave of major technology-based development projects: semiconductor...

In a major victory for local climate action and environmental regulation, the New York State Court of Appeals recently upheld New York...

In a significant move to bolster environmental protection and public health, New York State has enacted major amendments to its Superfund...

The Trump administration has filed lawsuits against four states—New York, Vermont, Hawaii, and Michigan—aimed at halting recent...

As municipalities in New York State explore opportunities to lease public land for renewable energy projects, such as solar or wind...

The State of New York is moving forward with proposed regulations to implement the Renewables, Accelerated Permitting and Infrastructure...

On December 26, 2024, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law the Climate Change Superfund Act (the “Act”), a statute designed to...

We are pleased to announce that Partner Jacob H. Zoghlin has been appointed Chair of the firm’s Municipal Law and Environmental...

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has released five new draft general permits and two updated general...

In 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Environmental Justice Siting Law, also known as the "Cumulative Impacts Law," to address...

If you like your gas-powered car or truck, you cannot keep it according to the Biden Administration’s final Clean Air Act vehicle...

On November 30, 2023, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements...

On October 12, 2023, the New York State Public Service Commission (“PSC”) issued a key decision denying petitions of offshore wind...