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The Environmental Law Podcast

The Environmental Law Podcast

By Beveridge & Diamond PC

Beveridge and Diamond lawyers share insights on the implications of trends, milestones, and major developments to help environmental, health, and safety leaders guide their organizations in the ever-changing world of environmental law and litigation.
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Groundtruth (Ep. 2): State Stories – Passing Environmental Justice Legislation

The Environmental Law PodcastJun 22, 2021

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42:60
Groundtruth (Ep. 13): Cumulative Impact Analysis - Massachusetts, EPA, and Beyond

Groundtruth (Ep. 13): Cumulative Impact Analysis - Massachusetts, EPA, and Beyond

In the 13th episode of "Groundtruth," Associate Lauren Karam (Boston) speaks with Stella Keck, a Senior Scientist at Roux, and Andrew Shapero, a Senior Engineer at Roux. Lauren, Stella, and Andrew discuss new regulations in Massachusetts involving cumulative impact analyses for air permit issues in areas near environmental justice (EJ) communities, and how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other states address cumulative impacts in EJ communities.

Feb 26, 202435:19
Groundtruth (Ep. 12): Valuing Lived Experience and Fostering Meaningful Community Engagement
Nov 16, 202321:23
Groundtruth (Ep. 11): Cultural Burns as Tools for Wildfire Prevention and Indigenous Healing

Groundtruth (Ep. 11): Cultural Burns as Tools for Wildfire Prevention and Indigenous Healing

In the 11th episode of "Groudtruth," Associates Noa Ervin and Claire McLeod interview Deniss Martinez, PhD Candidate at the University of California Davis, on the practices of prescribed burns. Indigenous people used prescribed burns in forests for thousands of years to manage land, reduce wildfire risk, and support cultural practices. This episode focuses on how colonial governments and land management agencies have suppressed these practices, and highlight the recent progress in restoring Indigenous fire management.

May 18, 202340:35
Groundtruth (Ep. 10): Implementing New Jersey's Environmental Justice Law

Groundtruth (Ep. 10): Implementing New Jersey's Environmental Justice Law

In the tenth episode of "Groundtruth," Beveridge & Diamond Principal Julius M. Redd (Washington, DC) speaks with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. Commissioner LaTourette joined the first "Groundtruth" episode in April 2021, shortly after the Governor of New Jersey signed landmark environmental justice legislation into law in 2020. In our latest episode, he joins Julius again to discuss the Department’s proposed implementing rules for this law, which were published in early June 2022.

“Groundtruth” is a podcast series, produced in partnership with the Environmental Law Institute's People Places Planet Podcast that explores EJ trends and developments. 

B&D Associate Hilary Jacobs (Washington, DC) led the content development for this episode.

Learn more about B&D's EJ practice: www.bdlaw.com/EJ.

Aug 03, 202235:02
Groundtruth (Ep. 9): Environmental Justice in the International Arena

Groundtruth (Ep. 9): Environmental Justice in the International Arena

In the ninth episode of “Groundtruth,” Associate Hilary Jacobs (Washington, DC), speaks with Professor Achinthi Vithanage, the Associate Director of Environmental Law Programs at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, and Jesse Glickstein, Environmental & Human Rights Counsel for Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s Global Social and Environmental Responsibility Team. They discuss environmental justice (EJ) on a global scale and what companies can do to advance EJ, climate justice, and human rights goals worldwide.

Jul 20, 202237:20
Groundtruth (Ep. 8): 17 Principles of Environmental Justice—30 Years Later

Groundtruth (Ep. 8): 17 Principles of Environmental Justice—30 Years Later

More than 30 years ago, roughly 1,100 people attended the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit in Washington, DC to discuss the environmental injustices they were experiencing in their communities. Considered by many as the birth of the environmental justice (EJ) movement, the four-day summit concluded with the adoption of the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice, still relevant today.

In the eighth episode [link] of "Groundtruth," the Environmental Law Institute (ELI)’s Arielle King chats with key organizers and leaders of the historical summit: Vernice Miller-Travis, a longtime EJ advocate and cofounder of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, a northern Manhattan community-based organization, who currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Metropolitan Group; and Charles Lee, organizer of the First Summit who currently serves as the Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Office of Environmental Justice. The episode honors and celebrates the 30th anniversary of the 17 Principles by taking a look at how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go.

“Groundtruth” is a podcast series, produced in partnership with the Environmental Law Institute’s People Places Planet Podcast, that explores EJ trends and developments.

Beveridge & Diamond Associate Jessica Maloney (New York) led the content development for this episode.

Apr 28, 202250:05
Groundtruth (Ep. 7): EJ & ESG, Intersected

Groundtruth (Ep. 7): EJ & ESG, Intersected

In the seventh episode of "Groundtruth," the Co-Chairs of Beveridge & Diamond's Environmental Justice practice, Stacey Sublett Halliday and Julius Redd (Washington, DC), briefly recap recent EJ policy developments, the launch of the Council on Environmental Quality's Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), and what’s to come.

They then talk with two EJ leaders from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Matthew Tejada, Director of EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice, and Samantha Phillips Beers, Director of the EPA Region III Office of Communities, Tribes, and Environmental Assessment. They discuss how EPA defines environmental, social, and governance (ESG); how companies can advance EJ through comprehensive ESG programs; and how such initiatives can be reported and evaluated in a meaningful way.

“Groundtruth” is a podcast series, produced in partnership with the Environmental Law Institute’s People Places Planet Podcast, that explores EJ trends and developments.

Beveridge & Diamond Associate Hilary Jacobs (Washington, DC) led the content development for this episode.


Mar 17, 202251:14
Groundtruth (Ep. 6): Meet EJ Leader & Advocate, Ben Wilson

Groundtruth (Ep. 6): Meet EJ Leader & Advocate, Ben Wilson

Beveridge & Diamond Principal John Cruden (Washington, DC), who formerly served as Assistant Attorney General of DOJ’s Environment & Natural Resources Division (2015-2017), speaks with renowned environmental justice (EJ) leader and advocate Benjamin F. Wilson. Ben, who recently retired after serving years as Chairman of Beveridge & Diamond, has deep experience with EJ representations and is a recognized leader on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in the legal profession. In December, The American Lawyer presented Ben with its Lifetime Achievement Award, and Lawyers of Color listed Ben among the “Most Influential Black Lawyer of the Decade.” Ben manages the Diverse Lawyers Network, teaches at the Howard University School of Law, and is an active member on many boards, including serving as Chair for the Environmental Law Institute.

“Groundtruth” is a podcast series, produced in partnership with the Environmental Law Institute’s People Places Planet Podcast, that explores EJ trends and developments.

Beveridge & Diamond Associate Hilary Jacobs (Washington, DC) led the content development for this episode.

Feb 10, 202239:22
Groundtruth (Ep. 5): Environmental Justice in 2022 - Perspectives From EPA

Groundtruth (Ep. 5): Environmental Justice in 2022 - Perspectives From EPA

In the fifth episode of “Groundtruth,” B&D Principal and former Special Counsel in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of General Counsel Stacey Sublett Halliday (Washington, DC) sits down with two environmental justice (EJ) leaders at EPA – Charles Lee (Senior Policy Advisor) and Matthew Tejada (Director of the Office of Environmental Justice) – to hear their insights on what’s in store for 2022. Charles and Matthew discuss how far EPA has come, how to contextualize the change that we are seeing, key goals for 2022, and best practices for those trying to incorporate EJ considerations into their work.

“Groundtruth” is a podcast series, produced in partnership with the Environmental Law Institute’s People Places Planet Podcast, that explores EJ trends and developments.

B&D Associate Hilary Jacobs (Washington, DC) led the content development for this episode.

Learn more about Beveridge & Diamond's EJ practice at www.bdlaw.com/EJ.

Dec 09, 202140:28
Groundtruth (Ep. 3): All of Industry—Corporate Approaches to Advancing Environmental Justice

Groundtruth (Ep. 3): All of Industry—Corporate Approaches to Advancing Environmental Justice

In the third episode of "Groundtruth," Beveridge & Diamond Principal Roy Prather (Baltimore) provides an overview of important environmental justice (EJ) developments that occurred in 2021 at the federal and state levels, spurred in large part by the Biden Administration. Roy then interviews Roger Martella (Chief Sustainability Officer at General Electric) and Chonda Nwamu (Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary at Ameren Corporation) who each share about their company's approach to EJ and how it relates to the company's environment, social, and governance (ESG) policies, current and future trends in the EJ regulated community, and their perspective on the future of EJ.

“Groundtruth” is a podcast series, produced in partnership with the Environmental Law Institute's People Places Planet Podcast that explores EJ trends and developments. Listen to other "Groundtruth" episodes: "New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law" and "State Stories – Passing Environmental Justice Legislation."

B&D Associate Hilary Jacobs (Washington, DC) led the content development for this episode.

Learn more about Beveridge & Diamond's EJ practice: www.bdlaw.com/EJ.

Oct 06, 202146:58
Groundtruth (Ep. 2): State Stories – Passing Environmental Justice Legislation

Groundtruth (Ep. 2): State Stories – Passing Environmental Justice Legislation

In the second episode of "Groundtruth," Beveridge & Diamond's Hilary Jacobs, speaks with Dr. Karla Drenner, a State Representative from Georgia, and Rebecca Saldaña, a State Senator from Washington, about the evolution of environmental justice (EJ) legislation in their states: Georgia House Bill 431 and the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act in Washington, which Governor Inslee signed into law on May 17, 2021.

The speakers explore the history, evolution, and future of each piece of legislation, including its impetus, its implications, and what they have in common. The speakers also discuss how they worked with stakeholders, including industry, to advance the legislation. As a final point, Hilary invites the speakers to comment on why they've chosen to focus on EJ at this stage in their careers.

“Groundtruth” is a podcast series, produced in partnership with the Environmental Law Institute's People Places Planet Podcast that explores EJ trends and developments. The first episode, "Groundtruth: New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law," aired in April. 

Learn more about Beveridge & Diamond's EJ practice: www.bdlaw.com/EJ.

Jun 22, 202142:60
Groundtruth (Ep. 1): New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law

Groundtruth (Ep. 1): New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law

“Groundtruth” is a podcast series, produced in partnership with the Environmental Law Institute's People Places Planet Podcast, that explores trends and developments in environmental justice (EJ).

In the first episode of Groundtruth, Beveridge & Diamond Principal Julius M. Redd (Washington, DC), speaks with New Jersey Senator Troy Singleton and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, about New Jersey’s landmark 2020 EJ law, S. 232/ A. 2212 (2020), which is arguably the most comprehensive EJ state law in the country. The speakers explore how the legislation originated, developed with stakeholder input, and ultimately passed after years of fits and starts. The group also discusses implementation plans for the bill and its implications for other state-level and federal EJ legislation.

B&D Associate Hilary Jacobs (Washington, DC) led the content development for this episode.

Learn more about Beveridge & Diamond's EJ practice: www.bdlaw.com/EJ.

Apr 09, 202138:37
Environmental Justice: What to Expect Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Insights from Carlos Brown of Dominion Energy

Environmental Justice: What to Expect Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Insights from Carlos Brown of Dominion Energy

In this episode of The Environmental Law Podcast, Beveridge & Diamond principal and Environmental Justice (EJ) practice co-chair Julius Redd leads a two-part discussion on EJ.

In Part One, Julius and Stacey Halliday (Independent Consultant for Beveridge & Diamond) discuss what we might expect from the Biden-Harris Administration regarding environmental justice.

In Part Two, Julius welcomes Carlos Brown (Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Compliance Officer at Dominion Energy) to the podcast. He discusses Dominion’s involvement in the National Environmental Justice Conference and the importance of incorporating EJ into corporate governance and operations.

Referenced article: A Biden-Harris Take on Environmental Justice: What to Expect

Learn more about Beveridge & Diamond's EJ practice: www.bdlaw.com/EJ

Dec 16, 202032:45
Making Fashion Sustainable - Key Takeaways from NAWL's Annual Meeting Program

Making Fashion Sustainable - Key Takeaways from NAWL's Annual Meeting Program

How does an industry with such a sizeable environmental footprint embrace sustainable practices, while meeting its environmental compliance obligations? What challenges arise and what best practices can manufacturers, brands, and other stakeholders use to ease this transition? To answer these questions, Stacey Halliday (Independent Consultant for B&D) spoke with industry experts from across the fashion supply chain during a panel at the National Association of Women Lawyers’ Annual Meeting. Stacey was joined by:

  • Angela Wartes-Kahl (Organic Farmer, Co-Founder) and Shannon Welsh (Textile Designer, Co-Founder), Fibrevolution
  • Jiaru Zheng (Senior Toxicologist), Gradient Consulting
  • Genna Heath (Product and Supply Chain Sustainability Specialist), formerly of REI

The panel touched on a diverse set of challenges, opportunities and emerging sustainability trends in the industry, including: regenerative and circular natural fiber production; sustainability certifications along the supply chain; material restrictions and risk assessments for apparel and footwear; and end-of-life trends in recycling, reuse, and disposal.

In this podcast, Stacey and Dacie Meng (Associate, DC) share their takeaways from the panel and trends they are tracking as members of B&D’s Textiles and Fashion practice.

Oct 12, 202021:16
Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC v. Cowpasture River Preservation Association - Key Takeaways

Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC v. Cowpasture River Preservation Association - Key Takeaways

On February 24, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument in Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC v. Cowpasture River Preservation Association, a case evaluating the U.S. Forest Service’s authority to grant rights-of-way under the Mineral Leasing Act of a natural gas pipeline that would traverse the Appalachian Trail 600 feet below ground. B&D's John Cruden and Allyn Stern share key takeaways from the case.

B&D principals Jamie AuslanderJohn Cruden, and Peter Schaumberg filed an amicus brief on behalf of the National Association of Manufacturers and 20 other trade associations, supporting reversal of the Fourth Circuit’s novel interpretation of two federal statutes to bar the pipeline project.

On June 15, 2020, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in our clients’ favor in the Cowpasture case, holding that the U.S. Forest Service has authority to grant a pipeline right-of-way that crosses underneath the Appalachian Trail within a national forest.  

Jul 10, 202019:19
Circular Economy and Plastics - Key Takeaways from B&D's Symposium

Circular Economy and Plastics - Key Takeaways from B&D's Symposium

On February 12, 2020, B&D hosted a Circular Economy and Plastics Symposium, designed to help attendees navigate the latest U.S., regional, and global initiatives affecting the plastics landscape in 2020 and beyond. Hear key takeaways from the Symposium, presented by Paul HagenRuss LaMotte, and Dacie Meng.

Jul 09, 202016:34
Introducing: The Environmental Law Podcast

Introducing: The Environmental Law Podcast

Welcome to The Environmental Law podcast, where Beveridge & Diamond lawyers share insights on the implications of trends, milestones, and major developments to help environmental, health, & safety leaders guide their organizations in the ever-changing world of environmental law and litigation.

Jun 25, 202000:29