The Environmental Forum

MALFUNCTION ALERT The planet’s climate and the biosphere—two synergistic systems—are addressed in important treaties, but the forces that threaten them are still supported by symbiotically linked governments and corporations

CROSS-EXAMINATION If we are ever to realize the intentions of Congress and keep the federal act from turning into only a paperwork exercise for polluters, we will need the public re-engaged and state and local advocacy organizations well-prepared for the long slog ahead.

COVER STORY The concept of “advised emissions” resulting from new business projects injects tensions directly into the attorney-client relationship. As a result, it will likely grow as an important—and contentious—vessel for climate policy and future reductions.

TESTIMONY In the box score on page 49, the authors present the heavy hitters—the most influential environmental decisions by the nine justices, ranked by how often courts cited the cases in later holdings.

50 Years of Safer Drinking Water On December 16, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The United States can chalk up many successes under the statute. Thanks to the SDWA, Americans tend to take for granted that tap water in homes, restaurants, workplaces, and schools is potable. But the SDWA’s unquestioned success does not mean the work of water safety is done. New funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is welcome, but will more money alone address the remaining and emerging drinking water issues?