Environmental Evolutions

Baker Botts L.L.P.

Environmental Evolutions features hosts Linn Bumpers and Scott Novak along with lawyers and industry guests who explore emerging ideas and recent developments in environmental law and policy. Long time host Megan Berge has left Baker Botts for an in-house role. We congratulate her and look forward to her becoming a long time listener.

  1. 12/03/2025

    Forever Chemicals Under Fire: Breaking Down EPA’s New PFAS Amendments

    Host Linn Bumpers explains the EPA’s proposed amendments to the 2024 PFAS reporting rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The discussion covers what PFAS are, why they matter, and how new exemptions such as de minimis thresholds and article imports could change compliance obligations for manufacturers and importers. With public comments open until December 29, 2025, this update provides timely insights for businesses navigating evolving environmental regulations.

    11 min

  2. 09/03/2025

    The Future of EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulations

    Scott Novak and Allison Watkins Mallick unpack two of the most consequential potential shifts in U.S. climate regulation: the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposals to repeal the landmark 2009 endangerment finding for greenhouse gases and to rescind or revise greenhouse gas regulations for fossil fuel–fired power plants. They examine the legal basis for these proposals, the implications of these proposals on the vehicle and power sectors, and what companies can do to prepare for shifting regulatory ground.

    12 min

  3. 07/18/2025

    PFAS Policy in the Trump Era

    Linn Bumpers and Martha Thompson discuss the regulatory landscape of PFAS, or Forever Chemicals, under the second Trump administration. They dive into EPA's priorities and recent updates, such as strengthening science, fulfilling statutory obligations, and building partnerships. Key focus areas include changes to reporting requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TOSCA) and potential shifts in regulation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The conversation highlights the evolving nature of PFAS regulations and the implications for various industries.

    17 min

  4. 06/06/2025

    Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County: The NEPA Narrowing

    Scott Novak is joined by Tom Jackson as they discuss the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County , which has significant implications for infrastructure project permitting under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The conversation covers the limitations on agency obligations to consider upstream and downstream impacts and the emphasis on judicial deference in NEPA cases.

    18 min

  5. 05/02/2025

    Reflecting on EPA’s Changing Policy Priorities with Vicki Arroyo

    Scott Novak interviews Georgetown Law professor Vicki Arroyo, the former EPA Associate Administrator for Policy under the Biden administration. They discuss Vicki’s career, EPA’s major accomplishments during her time at the agency, and her thoughts on EPA’s new policy priorities.   This episode was recorded on March 24, 2025.

    33 min

  6. 03/06/2025

    New Hosts, New Executive Orders

    Linn Bumpers and Scott Novak host a thought-provoking discussion with Shai Sahay and Jeff Wood on the changing dynamics of environmental law and policy under the Trump administration's second term. The episode explores the implications of new executive orders and their potential impact on energy projects, environmental enforcement, and regulatory frameworks.

    20 min

  7. 11/18/2024

    NEPA News You Need to Know Now

    In this episode, host Megan Berge talks to long time NEPA practitioner Tom Jackson about the D.C. Circuit’s recent decision shaking the foundation of National Environmental Policy Act regulations across federal agencies. The decision is available here. Please reach out to Tom if you have questions about the decision’s potential impact on current or planned projects or funding requests.

    12 min

  8. 04/08/2024

    SEC’s Final Climate Disclosure Regulations: You know what’s out, this is what’s in.

    In this fast facts episode, Washington DC partner Sterling Marchand takes over the episode to discuss the SEC’s landmark climate risk disclosure regulations. Given the numerous stories about what did not make it into the final rule, Sterling focuses on what made it in.  A written summary of the rule can be found at bakerbotts.com, and our fast facts podcast discussing the proposed regulations can heard here. If you have questions about today’s podcast, contact Sterling Marchand.

    20 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Environmental Evolutions features hosts Linn Bumpers and Scott Novak along with lawyers and industry guests who explore emerging ideas and recent developments in environmental law and policy. Long time host Megan Berge has left Baker Botts for an in-house role. We congratulate her and look forward to her becoming a long time listener.

Information

  • Creator
    Baker Botts L.L.P.
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Environmental Evolutions