Energy Explored

Article 6 changes coming out of COP27 and the latest document updates in the voluntary carbon market

The latest Sharm El-Sheikh COP decisions under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement provide guidance on the processes required for the international trading and transfer of carbon credits and mitigation outcomes. In addition, ISDA has published its Verified Carbon Credit Transaction Definitions, which represent an important step toward greater standardization in the basic terms for trading in voluntary carbon credits.

The interests of many actors, including countries and private sector companies, are in play. Reed Smith partners Brett Hillis and Jennifer Smokelin shed light on the areas where more regulatory clarity may be required and how to achieve “market” transaction terms.

What factors are contributing to (and slowing down) progress on decarbonization?

Join us as energy executives from Petrofac Ltd and Reed Smith lawyers Chris Edwards and Alison Eslick offer first-hand observations about the challenges of energy transition, sustainability as a whole, the key players and new legal issues.

Recommended energy transition strategies for businesses

It is well known that U.S. federal agencies are expressing concern over greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. At the same time, and in connection with those concerns, a few U.S. states have passed comprehensive legislation requiring a true energy transition to occur over the next 20 to 30 years, however most states have been much less ambitious.

Reed Smith partners Pete Trimarchi and Todd Maiden discuss how this state legislation and the related policies will affect transportation, electricity generation, buildings, and more. Pete and Todd also share information on how businesses can begin to adjust.

The carbon border adjustments mechanism: Impact on imports into the EU

The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will require importers to pay a fee for emissions of greenhouse gases embedded in products that are being imported into the EU. Brussels-based partners Yves Melin and Wim Vandenberghe discuss upcoming CBAM rules and how they will affect EU-based industries and their foreign trading partners.

U.S. regulatory developments: U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, an independent federal agency, is undertaking new initiatives to address emerging risks such as climate change and crypto-assets. Reed Smith partners Jonathan Marcus, a former general counsel of the CFTC, Colette Honorable, a former FERC commissioner, and associate Christian Blair provide analysis.

Building trust in ‘carbon-neutral’ fossil fuels

In our third Energy Explored podcast, Reed Smith partners James Atkin and Adam Hedley and associate Terry Prempeh explore how energy industry participants are seeking to enhance their carbon-neutral credentials. They discuss “carbon-neutral” fossil fuels, the trading of carbon offsets, carbon-neutral labeling, and ways to mitigate the risk of claims of “greenwashing.”

Nuclear new-build industry: Renaissance in France and UK

Many factors are heightening interest in nuclear power generation, and France and the UK have become especially proactive about investing in it. Reed Smith lawyers Peter Rosher, Vanessa Thieffry and Liam Hart discuss new favorable circumstances for nuclear construction and related industries. 

The U.S. clean energy transition: A focus on transmission development

Reed Smith partner Colette Honorable is joined by counsel Debra Palmer in this inaugural episode of Energy Explored. Colette and Deb discuss policies from the White House and FERC under President Biden to promote cleaner energy and fight climate change. They draw from years of experience to highlight the implications of the transition on the regulated community.