Sustainability Law Blog

Covers issues important to businesses looking to create a sustainable future for their organizations, their communities and the environment. Topics range from climate change and renewable energy issues to commentary on green building requirements, tax credits for sustainable forestry practices, and regulatory and public policy issues regarding the environment and sustainable business practices.

Author: Lawyers in the sustainability practice of the Portland, Ore., firm Tonkon Torp contribute to the blog.

Blawg Related Categories: Environmental Law • Government Law • States • Oregon • Law Firm • Business Law

Recent Posts from Sustainability Law Blog

Oregon Governor Vetoes Contentious Bills Affecting Renewable Energy
Governor Ted Kulongoski vetoed two bills passed by the 2009 Oregon Legislature that related to renewable energy. HB 2472b would have rolled back the Business Energy Tax Credit for large renewable energy projects by reducing…
Feds Make Available $3 Billion in Cash Grants For Renewable Energy
The U.S. Departments of Energy and the Treasury are accepting applications for a program that will make direct payments in lieu of tax credits to companies that create and place in service renewable energy facilities,…
Portland and Seattle Among Test Markets for Electric Vehicle Program
The U.S. Department of Energy has funded a pilot program by eTec Corporation and Nissan North America to deploy up to 5,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in five U.S markets in 2010, including Portland and Seattle.…
Waxman-Markey Climate Bill Passes the House
By a slim 219-212 margin, the U.S. House passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, known more commonly by the names of its authors, Representatives Henry Waxman and Edward Markey. The bill will cut…
Oregon Legislature Passes Numerous Climate Change and Renewable Energy Bills
As the Oregon legislative session wrapped up June 29, numerous bills headed to the Governor's desk for signature or veto. The two most controversial bills are HB 2472b and 2940b. The first bill rolls back…
Department of Treasury Releases Guidelines for Obtaining Renewable Energy Grants
The much-anticipated guidelines and application instructions for renewable energy cash grants available under the February 2009 stimulus bill have been released by the Department of Treasury. Section 1603 of the stimulus bill (formally known as…
Ecolutions – a New Happy Hour “Think and Drink” for Ecologically Minded Young Professionals
Ecolutions is a once a month free happy hour event for young professionals with a passion for the environment and sustainability held at The Agency Ultra Sport Lounge and sponsored by the Holy Names Heritage…
BPA Seeks Additional Funding To Study Options For Renewable Power Storage
BPA has requested $2 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Energy to study use of pumped storage as a tool in balancing uneven power supplies from wind energy. Pump storage projects generally involve…
City of Portland Launches Online Solar Evaluation Tool
Following the lead of San Francisco, Portland launched a new website last week that will allow people to zoom in on a satellite image of any rooftop in the city to determine its suitability for…
Practical Tips for Water-Wise Gardening
On May 20, David Petersen and I participated on behalf of Tonkon Torp's Sustainability Law Practice in the West Linn-Wilsonville School District's Sustainability Showcase. While perusing the displays put up by the various businesses and…