High Expectations for Climate Work

The Daily Report's Second Annual Law Firm Climate Change Survey confirms that there's a strong movement from the sidelines to the playing field of climate change. Peter Gray, Chair of the firm’s Environment, Energy and Product Regulation Department, is quoted saying companies are "looking at not just how to survive, but to thrive" as climate change shapes a new agenda in business, the regulatory arena and politics.

The Daily Report's Second Annual Law Firm Climate Change Survey confirms that there's a strong movement from the sidelines to the playing field of climate change.  Peter Gray, Chair of the firm’s Environment, Energy and Product Regulation Department, is quoted saying companies are "looking at not just how to survive, but to thrive" as climate change shapes a new agenda in business, the regulatory arena and politics.

Until the economy went into a tailspin, Gray expected an omnibus climate change bill to pass Congress in 2009. "Now, folks are saying the prospects have dimmed because so much money has been invested in the bailout plan," he said, though he cautions that a lot will depend on what kind of leadership the new White House exerts on the issue. Regardless, he warns that "time is short."

That's because some states, notably California, are moving forward with their own climate change initiatives, which may eventually force Congress to act in order to avoid the chaos that would be created by a nationwide patchwork of laws. "The federal scheme may be forced by what's happening in the states," Gray explained.