In The News

• March 28, 2012
  'EPA Power Plant Rules Sharpen Debate Over Commercial Viability of Carbon Capture'
  Bloomberg BNA Daily Environment Report
  Jane E. Montgomery
  Schiff Hardin partner Jane Montgomery, who practices in the firm's Environmental Group, is quoted in this article about the commercial viability of carbon capture and sequestration technology. The technology, which many coal-fired power plants may have to use to comply with federal law, could represent too much of a drain on large generators' energy use, says Ms. Montgomery.
• January 9, 2012
  "Court ruling on CSAPR possible this summer, though interpretation of stay varies in industry"
  Platts Electric Utility Week
  Kathleen C. Bassi
  This article about federal court challenges to the EPA's Cross State Air Pollution Rule quotes Schiff Hardin of counsel Kathleen Bassi. Ms. Bassi, who practices in the firm’s Energy and Public Utilities and Environmental Groups, remarks on the District of Columbia Circuit Court's stay of the rule and aggressive hearing schedule.
• December 21, 2011
  "EPA Releases Finalized Utility MACT"
  Power Engineering
  Jane E. Montgomery
  Schiff Hardin Environmental Group partner Jane E. Montgomery was quoted in this article covering the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) release of its finalized Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, pursuant to the EPA's mandate to limit mercury emissions from coal-fired units. The rule will also curtail a number of hazardous air pollutants, including lead, arsenic, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride and dioxins/furans. Schiff Hardin has been representing clients in matters relating to coal-fired units for more than 30 years, and we currently have substantial relationships with numerous energy companies involved in such power generation nationwide.
• December 12, 2011
  "Consent decrees as the way to gain time for mercury compliance get mixed verdicts"
  Platts Electric Utility Week
  Kathleen C. Bassi
  Kathleen Bassi, of counsel in Schiff Hardin's Environmental Group, is extensively quoted in this article on the use of consent decrees by electric utilities. Ms. Bassi notes that the legally binding agreements are potentially useful in buying time to bring power plants into compliance with new limits on mercury and other air pollutants.