Volume 1, Issue 3 - December 22, 2025
As we publish the third and final issue of Renewable Energy and Climate Talk or R.E.A.C.T. by PECC for the Fall 2025 semester, I am proud of how far this platform has come in such a short time and energized by what it signals for the future of the Pace Energy and Climate Center. This semester has marked a period of momentum and renewal under Michael Hamersky’s first months as Executive Director, particularly in reaffirming PECC’s commitment to student-centered scholarship and meaningful engagement with the broader energy and climate law community. The launch of the PECC Energy and Climate Scholars Program is a key step in that effort, creating new pathways to support the publication of student research while expanding how we highlight and disseminate the work of PECC staff and practitioners.
None of this would be possible without the extraordinary efforts of our students. I want to especially recognize the members of our Executive Board, Frances Gothard, Carington Lowe, and Kenneth Sumter, whose leadership and dedication have made both the R.E.A.C.T. Newsletter and Podcast a reality. In just one semester, they have helped build a platform that reflects the breadth of issues shaping today’s energy and climate landscape. Across our first three issues and podcast episodes, R.E.A.C.T. has explored topics ranging from New York energy regulation and federal policy shifts to international climate governance, climate justice, emerging technologies, and global legal frameworks. This third issue intentionally brings together the domestic and international perspectives introduced in our first two editions, continuing our core goal of blending original student scholarship, institutional updates, public comment activity, global engagement, and event coverage in a way that positions PECC as a thought leader and an active participant in shaping climate and energy governance.
As 2025 comes to a close, we are looking ahead to an exciting Spring 2026. Future R.E.A.C.T. newsletter issues and podcast episodes will build upon this foundational work, expanding its scope while offering deeper insights and highlights of PECC’s new and ongoing projects across New York State and beyond. I am deeply grateful to our students, alumni, practitioners, and partners for their engagement and support, and I look forward to what we will build together in the year ahead.
PECC Energy and Climate Law Scholar's Articles
Rethinking Battery Energy Storage Systems with an Energy Storage Road Map
- Explores New York's Battery Energy Storage Systems, which are increasingly being deployed to support New York's ambitious climate and clean energy goals by providing resilient, affordable, and low-emission power while helping phase out fossil fuel.
Community-Centered Just Transition from Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy
- Highlights the Rust Belt's transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, emphasizing the importance of a "just transition" framework that prioritizes community empowerment and local engagement.
The U.S.-China Divide in Solar Policy & Deployment
- Provides an insightful examination of the U.S. solar energy challenge, using the cancellation of Esmeralda 7 to illustrate how regulatory uncertainty and reduced tax incentives have slowed domestic renewable deployment, while contrasting China's coordinated industrial strategy and consistent policy support, highlighting the urgent need for streamlined permitting in the United States.
New York State's Energy Blueprint
- Examines New York Governor Kathy Hochul's plans for an advanced nuclear energy plant in Upstate New York, aiming to add at least on gigawatt of power to the state's existing 3.4 gigawatt nuclear mix as part of her Nuclear Energy Master Plan.
Announcing PECC's newest group of Energy & Climate Law Scholars
The Pace Energy and Climate Center (“PECC") is thrilled to announce the 2025–26 Energy and Climate Law Scholars: Ayman Irfan, Jack Finn, Laila Greene, Joann Lenart, Kaden Bosquez, and Stephen Badea.
R.E.A.C.T. by PECC Podcast
Newest Episode: A Conversation with Emma Lagle & Clara Cusanelli ‘27 Over Energy Fairness for New York Residents
Pace Energy & Climate Center's Energy & Policy Advisor, Emma Lagle, and her extern, Clara Cusanelli (Pace Haub Law '27), conference over energy fairness for New York residents and how PECC addresses current New York State Energy Plans that can drive down energy costs.
Highlights from PECC Events
Stay updated on the latest developments shaping the future of energy and environmental law by reading about the takeaways from various events PECC has been attending.
- 30th Conference of the Parties ("COP30") to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
- Samuel Carvalho, an environmental attorney from Belém, COP30 participant, and recent LL.M. graduate from Pace | Haub Law, offers a local perspective on COP30. He reflects on what hosting the conference meant for the city and its people and highlights key outcomes that emerged from the negotiations.
COP30: A local’s perspective on the Conference By: Samuel Carvalho
The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was held this year in Belém, Brazil. As an environmental attorney from Belém and a participant in COP30, I would like to share in this newsletter what the Conference meant to the city and its people, as well as some of the relevant outcomes that emerged from the negotiations.
Belém: The capital of Brazil
As a Belém resident this year, I witnessed every step of the city’s preparation for the largest event it has ever hosted, as well as the expectations of its citizens. When it was first announced that Belém would be the host city of COP30, many were skeptical that the city’s preparation projects–into which the federal government invested more than R$4 billion, including new terminals, parks, and renovations of markets and museums–would be completed on time, given that public works in Brazil often fall behind schedule. Fortunately, most of these projects were successfully delivered before the start date of the Conference, transforming the city’s landscape and leaving a historic legacy for its people. This is especially true after President Lula signed into law a bill temporarily transferring Brazil’s capital to Belém during COP30. The general feeling I would hear locals share during the Conference was that Belém felt like “the best city in Brazil,” with many expressing excitement about the new public spaces they couldn’t wait to explore. In the end, I believe there was a shared sense of appreciation for the benefits COP30 brought to the city.
In addition to these projects, I was surprised by how eager people were to participate in COP events. The Green Zone, COP’s public-access area that hosted important climate and environmental discussions, was constantly full, with some days with limited access due to capacity constraints. It was incredible to see parents bringing their children to the Green Zone, and friends encouraging one another to attend COP activities. Indigenous Peoples were also highly present in the area, presenting panels, participating in small demonstrations, and even showcasing arts and paintings for sale. Having attended COP29 last year, I observed with great satisfaction the significant enhancement in public engagement in the Green Zone this year compared to the previous COP.
One moment was particularly meaningful to me. I presented a panel at a COP30 side event alongside Professor Hamersky, where we discussed what COP is, where and how it started, and how it relates to Brazil’s climate commitments and to people’s lives. The room was full, and at the end of the panel, a kind lady approached us to thank us very much, because she finally understood what that major event taking place in her city was all about. That small gesture meant the world to me, as I felt that I was giving back to my community a bit of what I’ve learned during my LL.M. at Pace.
COP30 outcomes
In the Blue Zone, COP’s area limited to official negotiations and accredited participants, there were mixed feelings regarding the direction discussions were taking, the decisions ultimately adopted at the Conference, and the occurrence of some unexpected events.
From the outset, there were discussions on the creation of a new forest fund, which was successfully launched during the Conference. The Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) was designed to reward tropical forest countries with funding for their tropical forest conservation efforts. Countries like Brazil, Indonesia, France, Germany, and Norway committed to contributing to the funding. Furthermore, other positive outcomes include the agreement to triple the $40 billion adaptation finance goal established at COP26 to a new $120 billion target, as well as the submission of updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs) by 119 countries, representing 74 percent of annual global emissions.
On the other hand, while many participants were hopeful and actively advocating for a commitment to a fossil fuel phase-out, these expectations were unfortunately frustrated as strong opposition from oil-rich countries prevented consensus on this critical issue. Additionally, further disappointment at COP was attributed to the absence of the US following its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. This absence, nonetheless, was compensated to some extent by the participation of a few US state governors, such as Michelle Lujan Grisham (New Mexico) and Gavin Newsom (California), who reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to work to advance climate policy at the state level.
Among the unexpected events at COP30, the Indigenous Peoples’ protests stood out as a powerful call for stronger participation in COP’s negotiations and for an end to projects and extractive activities that threaten Indigenous territories. The Friday protest during the first week was especially impactful, considering that demonstrators blockaded the main entrance to the Blue Zone for several hours and demanded to speak directly with Brazil’s president. The manifestations were followed by a significant outcome, the recognition of 10 new Indigenous territories by the Brazilian government during the second week of COP, advancing their historical and long-awaited demarcation process.
Conclusion
COP30 left a positive legacy for the city of Belém and its people, as the city’s landscape improved with new public spaces, better infrastructure, and renewed historical and cultural attractions. Additionally, people’s understanding of climate change and environmental issues deepened as they actively engaged in COP events, which highlights not only their interest in climate change but also their desire to participate in its solution process.
With regard to COP30 decisions, there was certainly an improvement in funding pledges, finance goals, national climate commitments, and Indigenous Peoples’ participation. Yet, there was also a disappointment with the lack of ambition in some of these commitments and the absence of a fossil fuel phase-out roadmap. Within this context, there is still much work to be done looking ahead to COP31, as our world needs stronger commitments and implementation actions to successfully address the urgent climate crisis we face today.
Upcoming Events:
- 01/14: Danish Consulate x SUNY | Thermal Energy Networks Workshop. PECC will sponsor a private, invitation only workshop from 9:00 am–3:00 pm focused on application driven strategies for deploying thermal energy networks across SUNY campuses. The session builds on ongoing Denmark x New York collaboration and recent SUNY capacity building initiatives.
- 01/28: The Empire State of Energy. PECC and the Environmental Law Society of Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University will cohost a panel discussion, moderated by Michael Hamersky, with representatives from New York State regulatory agencies and WeAct for Environmental Justice to discuss the challenges that the energy grid, and the customers it serves, will face in 2026.
- 02/07: New Directions in Environmental Law Conference. Frances Gothard, PECC Executive Board member, and fellow Energy and Climate Law Scholars will join student leaders from Haub Law, Yale Law School, and Yale School of the Environment to host the annual environmental law and policy conference at Yale Law School.
- 02/09: NYS CO₂ Budget Trading Program Amendments Public Hearings—Virtual. DEC and NYSERDA will hold public hearings at 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm on proposed updates to New York’s CO₂ Budget Trading Program, including implementation of the new RGGI cap through 2037 and related program changes.
- 02/19–21: 2026 Jeffrey G. Miller National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition—Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, White Plains, New York
Recently Submitted Public Comments
- Submitted a Comment to the Consolidate Edison UTEN Stage 2 Design Study.
Upcoming Public Comment Filings
- 12/22: Comments due on NYSERDA’s Bulk Energy Storage 12+ Hour Methodology Proposal in Case 18-E-0131, addressing proposed approaches for estimating long-duration storage revenues for bulk procurements.
- 12/29: Comments due on NYSERDA’s Build-Ready Program Five-Year Review and proposed termination in Case 15-E-0302, including a request to discontinue the program as ratepayer funded and continue it through 2030 using economic development funds.
- 02/08: Comments due on NYSEG's Ithaca UTEN Stage 2 filing in Case 22-M-0429, addressing proposed design and implementation details for the UTEN pilot.
- 02/17: Comments due on DEC and NYSERDA’s proposed amendments to New York’s CO₂ Budget Trading Program, implementing the new RGGI cap through 2037 and related programmatic changes.
As part of PECC's ongoing engagement with the Haub Law community, the Practitioners' Corner highlights alumni and affiliates whose work advances the legal field. This issue features Pianpian Wang (Haub Law SJD ‘24 LL.M ‘13), who has officially joined the PECC team as an Institute for Energy and Democracy Fellow.
R.E.A.C.T. by PECC Newsletter Curators:
Frances Gothard J.D. '26 | Carington Lowe J.D. '26
Volume 1, Issue 2 - November 10, 2025
Welcome to Issue 2 of the Renewable Energy and Climate Talk newsletter (“R.E.A.C.T. by PECC”), brought to you by the Pace Energy and Climate Center (“PECC”). This issue offers a global perspective on emerging energy and climate policies. Readers will find updates on international developments, highlights from major global events, and in-depth legal analyses of international climate and energy policy, including its intersections with U.S. law.
PECC is committed to engaging with the Haub Law network and celebrating members who have made notable contributions to the legal field. These spotlights not only recognize their professional achievements but also foster connections between practitioners and scholars. In this issue, we highlight alumnus Christopher Bloch, Haub Law ’10. Additionally, Elizabeth J. Mackay, CFA, Esq., Director and Counsel at the Vander Weele Group, LLC, has authored a piece, States React to Environmental Policy’s About-Face.
PECC Energy and Climate Law Scholars Articles
Brazil as a Sustainable AI Hub in the Global South: A Comparative International Law Analysis
- Providing an insightful examination of Brazil's renewable energy and AI potential. The country's abundant natural resources and leadership in clean energy have attracted significant interest from Big Tech companies aiming to develop green AI. Despite notable regulatory gaps, the article highlights Brazil's potential to become a global hub for substainable AI innovation.
The Forgotten Half of Climate Justice: What COP30 Must Remember About the Ocean
- Highlights the important role that oceans play, the international policies and obligations they create to prevent harm to the marine environment amid escalating climate change impacts, the push for mandatory ocean protections, and the significance of marine ecosystems.
The Absence of International Renewable Energy ‘Hard Law’
- Explores "hard" and "soft" international law using the ICJ Advisory Opinion on environmental protection for present and future generations. The solutions provided by international law are imposed on sovereign States, limiting their sovereignty but opening the door to progress, while hard law versus soft law guides and influences discourse on climate change issues such as renewable energy, though binding agreements remain notably lacking on the international stage.
The Future of Cap-and-Trade Markets Following the ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Obligations
- Explores the cap-and-trade system, the role of States in fulfilling their obligations under the ICJ opinion to protect climate systems and prevent GHG harm, and how these duties intersect with cap-and-trade as a tool for meeting climate obligations.
From the Courts to the Commission: How U.S. Youth are Globalizing the Fight for Climate Justice
- Closely examines Juliana v. United States and the constitutional challenges raised by the petitioners, highlighting their relentless and compelling pursuit towards recognizing a right to a "stable climate system".
Announcing PECC's first group of Energy & Climate Law Scholars
The Pace Energy and Climate Center (“PECC") is thrilled to announce the 2025–26 Energy and Climate Law Scholars: Isabela Vasconcelos Chelou, Tamika Thomas-Murray, Samirah Aziz, Sophie Bacas, Hannah Frizzell, Thomas Glawson, Ashley Hipnar, Frank Anthony Mattimoe, and Kyle Shepherd.
Highlights from PECC Events
Stay updated on the latest developments shaping the future of energy and environmental law by reading about the takeaways from various events PECC's Energy and Climate Law Scholars have been attending.
- IUCN World Conservation Congress
- On October 9–15, PECC Executive Director, Michael Hamersky, joined several Haub Law professors, alumni, and students in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to convene the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (“IUCN”) World Conservation Congress (“WCC”).
Upcoming Events:
- 11/10–12: Land Use Leadership Alliance Training - Hudson Valley, New York, U.S.
- 11/9–16: 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference COP30 - Belem, Brazil
- 11/12–13: A Mandate for All: the Legal and Civic Imperative to Confront the Climate Emergency Conference - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | New York, U.S. | Online
- PECC is honored to participate in a prominent international event, promoted by FGV Direito Rio, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, and the World Commission on Environmental Law. Executive Director Michael Hamersky will moderate the Networking to Magnify Effectiveness panel, while Executive Board member Carington Lowe will serve as the youth commentator for Corporate Climate Action: Accountability and the Path to Net Zero.
- 12/11: The Future of Utility Regulation 2025 - Managing Competition Symposium - New York City, New York, U.S.
Upcoming Public Comment Filings
- 11/10: Comments due on Upstate and Downstate Regional Residential Weatherization Proposals in Case 25-M-0248, addressing 2026–30 non-LMI energy efficiency and building electrification portfolios.
R.E.A.C.T. by PECC Podcast
Newest Episode: EPA Proposes to Rescind Obama's 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding
PECC joins Haub Law students in submitting a public comment to deny U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) proposal to rescind Obama's 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding ("the Finding"). EPA has proposed to rescind the Finding for all greenhouse gas emission standards for light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles that served as the legal basis for regulation under the Clean Air Act. The proposal, published on August 1, 2025, is a significant policy shift by the Trump administration, and if finalized and upheld by the courts, could lead to the repeal of numerous climate-related regulations.
R.E.A.C.T. by PECC Newsletter Curators:
Frances Gothard J.D. '26 | Carington Lowe J.D. '26
Volume 1, Issue 1 - October 8, 2025
Welcome to the first edition of the Renewable Energy and Climate Talk Newsletter ("R.E.A.C.T."), brought to you by the Pace Energy and Climate Center ("PECC"). R.E.A.C.T. is curated to provide its readers with updates on energy and climate developments, spotlighting key events both in New York and internationally, and acting as a source for legal scholarship and recent publications shaping the field. In each issue, you will also find original pieces written by our Energy and Climate Law Scholars exploring emerging topics and highlighting major climate and energy events.
I am beyond excited to welcome you to the first edition of R.E.A.C.T. by PECC. I was appointed to serve as the Executive Director of the Pace Energy and Climate Center on the promise to return PECC to its student oriented scholarly roots. I look forward to using this newsletter to highlight the incredible work of the number one environmental law program in the nation’s talented students and to highlight PECC’s work on the clean energy transition and the impact this transition will have on vulnerable communities.
Each R.E.A.C.T. by PECC newsletter will feature Pace Haub Law students contributing articles on energy and climate matters important to them. Additionally, expect to find contributions from energy law practitioners and thought leaders discussing the important energy and climate matters of the moment. R.E.A.C.T. by PECC will also include access to PECC’s comments in energy proceedings and provide readers with a list of upcoming deadlines we think are important to you. Finally, R.E.A.C.T. by PECC will include a curated events calendar that highlights important conferences or galas taking place in the coming weeks. Be sure to keep up with R.E.A.C.T. by PECC, where we harness the new energy of future leaders to address the climate crisis now.
PECC Executive Director, Professor Michael Hamersky, Advances Climate Action on the Global Stage
Executive Director, Michael Hamersky, will be attending the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held in Belem, Brazil (“COP30”), on behalf of PECC. With the assistance of PECC fellow Akinola Afolarin and PECC extern Mercè Martí i Expositio, PECC has prepared Climate Crisis Advisory Opinions: An Urgent Call for Swift Action at COP30, which proposes strategies to compel States to implement laws in response to the recent climate change advisory opinion.
Announcing the PECC 2025–26 Executive Board
The Pace Energy and Climate Center (“PECC") is thrilled to announce the 2025–26 Executive Board: Frances Gothard, Carington Lowe, and Kenneth Sumter, three exceptional Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University students committed to advancing PECC’s mission and outreach.
Recently Submitted Public Comments
- Submitted Comments on the 2025 Draft New York State Energy Plan to Persuade New York Not to Abandon its Climate Goals.
- Submitted Comments to the EPA Urging it to Abandon Reconsideration of the 2009 Endangerment Finding.
- Submitted Comments to the NJDEP Requesting to Deny Northeast Supply Enhancement Pipeline Expansion.
Upcoming Public Comment Filings
- 10/26: Comments due on Utility Stage 2 Design Studies for UTEN Pilots in Case 22-M-0429, focused on pilot design plans under the Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act ("UTENJA") of 2022.
- 11/9: Comments due on Upstate and Downstate Regional Residential Weatherization Proposals in Case 25-M-0248, addressing 2026–2030 non-LMI energy efficiency and building electrification portfolios.
PECC Energy and Climate Law Scholars Articles
New York Renewable Energy Storage: Futuristic Success or Ongoing Injustice?
- Examines New York State's rapid growth of battery energy storage systems ("BESS"), highlighting environmental justice concerns such as safety risks and disproportionate impacts on disadvantaged communities. The essay also explores regulatory gaps and proposes solutions to promote more equitable BESS development.
A Bright Future and a Dark Legacy: The Future of Nuclear Energy and Waste Disposal in New York
- Highlights New York's efforts to develop nuclear waste recycling technologies and regulatory frameworks for safely managing nuclear byproducts, alongside Governor Hochul's directive for NYPA to construct a zero-emission advanced nuclear power plant in Upstate New York.
When Washington Stalls, States Power Forward
- Discusses existing federal energy and climate policy and highlights how shifts in administration and judicial precedent have created an unstable regulatory environment. Also emphasizes the critical role of states in leading environmental and energy outcomes that can offset and outlast federal fluctuations.
Highlights from PECC Events
Stay updated on the latest developments shaping the future of energy and environmental law by reading about the takeaways from various events PECC's Energy and Climate Law Scholars have been attending. This edition includes the following four events:
- Wind Power and Battery Storage at NYSBA Environmental & Energy Law Section
- Highlighting the events from NYSBA's 2025 Fall Meeting and key legal discussions, including evolving permitting challenges, key renewable energy projects, and expectations to come. Read more here:
- Earth Law Center ECO Summit
- Exploring the paradigm shift towards recognizing personhood rights for nature as a foundation for ecological justice. Read more here:
- Causeway & COPx: Catalyst for Global Climate Change
- Discussion on how reframing climate action as an opportunity for resilience, justice, and innovation is a global remedy to the issue of climate change. Read more here:
- Accelerating Nuclear Innovation with AI
- Illustrates how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of nuclear energy and regulatory processes. Read more here:
Upcoming Events
- 10/8–15: IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi
- 10/22: NEEP’s Heating Electrification Workshop in Princeton, NJ
- 10/22–23: ACE NY Fall 2025 Conference in Albany, NY
- 10/29: 2025 NYLCV Westchester Cocktail Party in Dobbs Ferry, NY
- 10/27–29: Land Use Leadership Alliance Training - Southern Tier
- 11/10–12: Land Use Leadership Alliance Training - Hudson Valley
- 11/9–16: 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belem, Brazil
- 12/11: The Future of Utility Regulation 2025 - Managing Competition Symposium - NYC
R.E.A.C.T. by PECC Podcast
Premiere Episode: Introduces PECC and its priorities in the coming months.
R.E.A.C.T. by PECC Newsletter Curators:
Frances Gothard J.D. '26 | Carington Lowe J.D. '26