SPRingBoard Environmental Law Podcast

About SPRingBoard Environmental Law Podcast

Hosted by Sive, Paget & Riesel, New York's preeminent environmental law firm for over 60 years, SPRingBoard Environmental Law Podcast is a conversational and interview-based show centralized on a wide spectrum of environmental law-based topics. Guests will include SPR attorneys, topic experts, consultants, activists, professors, environmental lawyers and more.

Publisher

Sive, Paget and Riesel

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Jan 2025

Latest episode

25 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Sept 2026

   Environmental Law, Explained: Practice, Purpose, and the Future of the Field

   What does an environmental lawyer actually do? In this Climate Week NYC special episode, SPRingBoard host Ahlia Bethea is joined by Dr. Adam Orford, Associate Professor of Law at Fordham University School of Law, and Katherine Ghilain Trudell, Principal at SPR, for a candid discussion about the realities of practicing environmental law, the many career paths available, and the trends shaping the future of the field. Whether you are considering a career in environmental law, undertaking a major development project, or simply curious about how environmental lawyers help move ideas from concept to completion, this episode offers an inside look at one of the legal profession's most diverse and rapidly evolving fields. Key takeaways: Environmental lawyers are involved in far more than enforcement actions and pollution disputes. Their work often includes guiding housing, infrastructure, hospital, park, renewable energy, and redevelopment projects through environmental review, permitting, and litigation. The most common mistake project sponsors make is waiting too long to engage environmental counsel. Early planning can help identify permitting requirements, address stakeholder concerns, build a strong administrative record, and minimize litigation risk. Environmental law is highly collaborative. Lawyers often work closely with regulators, consultants, community stakeholders, and project sponsors to resolve issues and develop legally defensible outcomes. A background in environmental science is not required to practice environmental law. Curiosity, strong legal skills, and the ability to quickly learn new technical concepts are often more important. Administrative law is one of the most important foundations for environmental practice because so much environmental decision making occurs through agency processes and regulations. Climate change is not solely an environmental law issue and is increasingly affecting unexpected areas of legal practice, including property, investment, and estate planning. Current law students and lawyers looking to transition into the environmental field should pay particular attention to energy regulation, since environmental, energy, and utility issues are becoming increasingly interconnected. Production support for this episode was provided byCharlotte Hawes, Legal Marketing Assistant at SPR. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast, and its supplemental material, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers in their individual capacities and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of SPR and/or any of the clients they represent.

2. 

   3 Sept 2026

   Beyond the Phase One: Navigating Environmental Risk in Complex Transactions

   Environmental issues can significantly affect the timing, structure, and economics of business transactions. In the latest episode of SPRingBoard, SPR Principal Maggie Macdonald is joined by Christina Lewis of Langan and Corinne Dougherty of Marsh for a practical discussion of environmental due diligence and risk management strategies in real estate and corporate transactions. The conversation explores how attorneys, environmental consultants, and insurance professionals work together to identify potential environmental liabilities, tailor due diligence to a transaction's specific risks, and develop solutions that help deals move forward. The speakers discuss Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, liability protections under CERCLA, environmental insurance products, and the growing impact of PFAS on transactional due diligence. Through a series of hypothetical case studies, they illustrate how buyers, sellers, lenders, and developers can evaluate risks, allocate responsibility, and address uncertainty in increasingly complex regulatory environments. Key takeaways: Environmental due diligence is not a one-size-fits-all exercise. The appropriate scope of review depends on the transaction structure, the parties' risk tolerance, the property's history, and the client's objectives. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is often the starting point, but additional compliance reviews, targeted investigations, or portfolio-level analyses may be more appropriate depending on the circumstances. Environmental liabilities can arise differently in asset and stock transactions. In stock deals, buyers may inherit legacy environmental liabilities associated with historical operations and former properties. CERCLA liability protections, state voluntary cleanup programs, indemnities, escrows, and environmental insurance can all play important roles in allocating and mitigating environmental risk. Environmental insurance policies can provide coverage for both legacy and future pollution conditions, helping parties manage uncertainty and facilitate transactions that might otherwise stall over environmental concerns. Managing potential PFAS risk has become a common issue in transactional due diligence. Evolving regulation and uncertainty regarding potential sources, exposures, and cleanup obligations require careful evaluation on a site-specific basis. The discovery of a recognized environmental condition does not automatically mean additional sampling is required. Effective risk management often depends on understanding how contamination relates to current and future site use. Redevelopment projects require special consideration because construction activities may trigger remediation obligations, increase disposal costs, or uncover previously unknown environmental conditions. Early coordination among legal counsel, environmental consultants, and insurance advisors can improve diligence strategies, strengthen negotiating positions, and create additional pathways for addressing environmental liabilities. Production support for this episode was provided by Charlotte Hawes, Legal Marketing Assistant at SPR. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast, and its supplemental material, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers in their individual capacities and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of SPR and/or any of the clients they represent.

3. 

   23 Jul 2026

   Building on Brownfields: Affordable Housing and the Transformation of Gowanus

   Summary In the latest episode of SPRingBoard, host Michael Hannaman dives into a critical issue facing New York City and communities across the country: how to build more affordable housing—and where to build it. Michael is joined by guests Justin Pelsinger, Chief Operating Officer at Charney Companies, and Michael Bogin, Principal at SPR. At a time when the demand for housing continues to outpace supply, policymakers and developers are increasingly looking to underutilized and historically industrial properties, known as “brownfields,” as opportunities for redevelopment. In New York City, this is playing out in neighborhoods like Gowanus, where a 2021 rezoning has spurred a wave of residential development alongside ongoing environmental cleanup efforts. But transforming these sites raises a host of questions: How do developers manage the costs and risks of remediation? What role do programs like New York State’s Brownfield Cleanup Program play in making environmental remediation and affordable housing construction financially viable? And how do evolving policy tools—like the new 485-x tax incentive, reforms to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (known as SEQRA), and the City’s broader housing strategy—shape what ultimately gets built, and at what scale? Michael, Justin, and Michael discuss how brownfield redevelopment is shaping the future of affordable housing, the legal and financial frameworks driving these projects, and the practical realities of building housing on some of the most complex sites in the City. Production support for this episode was provided by Charlotte Hawes, Legal Marketing Assistant at SPR. Chapters 00:04 Introduction to Affordable Housing Challenges 06:10 The Gowanus Neighborhood: Challenges and Opportunities 09:41 The Brownfield Cleanup Program: Incentives for Developers 14:18 Remediation Challenges in Gowanus: Lessons Learned 22:30 Streamlining the Brownfield Cleanup Process 24:38 Reviving Communication in Project Management 26:02 The Importance of Pre-Work in Remediation 26:57 Evaluating Brownfield Sites for Redevelopment 31:58 Community Engagement in Redevelopment 34:23 Affordable Housing Tax Incentives: A Comparative Analysis 37:07 Impact of Wage Requirements on Development 40:08 Challenges in Reducing Development Costs 46:48 Legislative Reforms and Their Impact on Housing 50:31 Future Trends in Affordable Housing Development 52:27 Disclaimer Disclaimer: The content of this podcast, and its supplemental material, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers in their individual capacities and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of SPR, Charney Companies and/or any of the clients they represent. Track ID: 14061

4. 

   17 Mar 2026

   Brownfield Remediation in New York State: Key Regulatory Changes and Implications for Developers

   Summary This special episode of SPRingBoard was recorded as part of a joint webinar hosted by Sive, Paget & Riesel P.C. and Bousquet Holstein PLLC. Revised regulations for New York's environmental remediation programs (including the Brownfield Cleanup Program) took effect on December 31, 2025. For developers and environmental professionals, the final Part 375 regulations clarify certain issues while raising new challenges and opportunities. The final Part 375 regulations will also significantly impact the availability and anticipated amount of brownfield tax credits for many sites, including some sites already in the BCP. This joint webinar by Sive, Paget & Riesel and Bousquet Holstein, originally hosted on March 12, 2026, discussed the updated Part 375 regulations. Panelists focused on the BCP from a developer's perspective, covering new requirements and open issues, and provided practical pointers about site cleanups and brownfield tax credit considerations. Production support for this episode was provided by Charlotte Hawes, Legal Marketing Assistant at SPR. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to DEC's Regulatory Amendments 03:14 Historical Context of the Brownfield Program 05:25 Key Changes in Remedial Tracks 11:50 Implications of Conditional Track Changes 17:50 Tax Credit Considerations for Developers 23:36 Changes in Soil Cleanup Objectives 29:43 Subjective Eligibility and Site Assessment 35:27 Navigating the New Regulations 48:28 Understanding Remediation and Tangible Property Credits 54:25 Navigating Site Cover Definitions and Tax Credit Eligibility 01:05:25 Changes in Use and Work Plan Requirements 01:14:41 Exploring New Tangible Property Credit Gateways 01:20:10 Addressing Engineering Controls and Passive Systems Disclaimer: The content of this webinar is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers in their individual capacities and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Sive, Paget & Riesel, Bousquet Holstein, and/or any of the clients they represent.

5. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Turning Off The Tap: The Future of PFAS Regulation Under Shifting Federal and State Laws

   Summary In the latest episode of the SPRingBoard Environmental Law Podcast, host Ahlia Bethea guides us through a discussion on one of the most pervasive and daunting environmental threats: PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals.” As scientific evidence mounts and public concern grows, PFAS contamination has become a flashpoint for legal, regulatory, and equity debates across the country. Recent federal actions, such as the EPA’s first-ever national drinking water limits and subsequent rollbacks, have sparked intense discussion about the future of regulation and the role of states in filling federal gaps. To dissect these issues, Ahlia is joined by Christine Santillana, Senior Legislative Counsel at Earthjustice, and David Ansel, Vice President of Water Protection at Save the Sound. In this episode, they explore the science behind PFAS toxicity and persistence, the evolving legal frameworks at both federal and state levels, and the practical challenges of enforcement, monitoring, and remediation. What does it mean to regulate PFAS as a class rather than one chemical at a time? How can states like New York and California lead the way? What are the implications for environmental justice, public health, and community advocacy as the regulatory landscape continues to shift? Production support for this episode was provided by Charlotte Hawes, Legal Marketing Assistant at SPR. PFAS-Free NY Website Link: https://pfasfreeny.org/ (https://pfasfreeny.org/) Takeaways PFAS are everywhere: These man-made chemicals are found in countless products (nonstick pans, waterproof clothing, firefighting foam, food packaging, dental floss, etc.) and persist in the environment and human bodies. Health risks are potentially serious: PFAS exposure is linked to cancer, immune system effects, and other chronic health problems. EPA action is historic but limited: The EPA’s 2024 designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA is a milestone, allowing for polluter accountability and cleanup, but only covers two chemicals out of hundreds in use. Regulation struggles to keep up: Industry continues to introduce new PFAS variants, making regulation a “whack-a-mole” challenge. Advocates push for regulating PFAS as a class, not just individual compounds. State leadership is crucial: States like New York, Connecticut, Minnesota, Maine, and California are passing laws to phase out PFAS in consumer products. Industry pushback is strong: Trade associations and manufacturers lobby against PFAS regulations, for example there has been recent industry pushback in California to proposed regulation of PFAS in cookware. Monitoring and infrastructure investment needed: Effective PFAS response requires investment in water testing and wastewater treatment upgrades. Environmental justice is central: PFAS contamination disproportionately affects low-income, rural, and communities of color. Targeted funding, community engagement, and policy integration are needed. Federal rollbacks pose risks: Recent EPA moves to rescind or delay drinking water limits for certain PFAS threaten public health, especially in vulnerable communities. Local action matters: Communities can pass local laws banning sewage sludge on farmland and set up independent water testing, showing that local advocacy can drive change even when federal or state action lags. Disclaimer: The content of this podcast, and its supplemental material, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers in their individual capacities and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of SPR and/or any of the clients they represent.

6. 

   13 Nov 2025

   Unlocking the Ocean Sink: Permitting and Deployment of Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies

   Summary In the latest episode of the SPRingBoard Environmental Law Podcast, host Michael Hannaman explores one of the most promising and complex frontiers in climate innovation: Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR). As global emissions continue to rise and the path to limiting warming to 1.5°C narrows, mCDR technologies are emerging as a key mitigation tool. These technologies leverage the ocean’s natural carbon cycle to capture and store CO₂, but questions remain about paths forward to large-scale deployment. To unpack this topic, Michael is joined by Garrett Boudinot (founder and CEO of Vycarb) and Meg Holden (principal at SPR). Together, they examine the science, economics, and legal frameworks underpinning the mCDR field and discuss the social and environmental considerations that guide deployment. What are the key factors for evaluating whether mCDR technologies can truly deliver durable climate benefits? What do early pilot projects reveal about technical feasibility and regulatory hurdles? And as the field matures, how can innovators and policymakers work together to streamline permitting, build public trust, and maximize impact? Production support for this episode was provided by Charlotte Hawes, Legal Marketing Assistant at SPR. Takeaways The current pace of emissions reductions is insufficient to meet the 1.5 degrees Celsius target set by the Paris Agreement, with marine carbon dioxide removal offering a promising path to removing carbon already in the atmosphere. Key challenges surrounding mCDR include scaling technologies, ensuring legal compliance, and addressing social concerns. Carbon capture involves point source CO2 removal, while carbon removal targets atmospheric CO2. Storage solutions include utilization and sequestration. Ensuring the effectiveness of mCDR technologies requires robust measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems. mCDR has the potential to be cost-effective compared to other carbon removal methods, with projections under $100 per ton of CO2 removed. mCDR must be developed responsibly to avoid unintended negative impacts on ocean ecosystems and gain public acceptance. The U.S. lacks a unified legal framework for mCDR, relying on a patchwork of existing environmental laws. Successful mCDR projects require engaging local and global communities, ensuring transparency, and demonstrating positive impacts. mCDR technologies like Vycarb's aim to become major carbon management solutions, with ongoing pilots and research to refine and scale the approach. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) 04:53 Understanding Carbon Capture and Sequestration 07:43 Evaluating Effectiveness of mCDR 10:12 Approaches to Carbon Dioxide Removal from Oceans 13:29 Economic and Social Considerations in mCDR 16:08 Vycarb's Technology and Its Impact 19:12 Pilot Projects and Learnings 21:50 Scaling Vycarb's Technology 24:38 Business Case for mCDR 31:20 Navigating the Legal Landscape of mCDR 39:07 Permitting Challenges and Success Stories 48:49 Community Engagement in mCDR Projects 54:13 Best Practices for Attorney-Startup Partnerships 58:10 Disclaimer Disclaimer: The content of this podcast, and its supplemental material, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers in their individual capacities and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of SPR and/or any of the clients they represent.

7. 

   22 Oct 2025

   AI's Double-Edged Sword: Navigating Environmental Impact and Opportunity

   Summary In the fourth episode of the SPRingBoard Environmental Law Podcast, host Ahlia Bethea dives into the urgent and complex intersection of artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability with guests Shaolei Ren (Associate Professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of California, Riverside) and Will Kletter (COO at ClimateAi). Together, they explore the environmental costs and transformative potential of AI, from the resource demands of large language models to the promise of predictive modeling in enhancing climate resilience. The episode clarifies key AI concepts, including generative AI, large language models, and predictive analytics, while addressing big-picture questions: Can AI help us adapt to a warming planet? What regulatory frameworks are needed to ensure its responsible deployment? And how can the tech community collaborate with policymakers and scientists to build a more sustainable digital future? Production support for this episode was provided by Charlotte Hawes, Legal Marketing Assistant at SPR. Takeaways The local and regional impacts of AI, such as on water and air quality, are significant and deserve attention. AI is playing an increasingly important role in climate resilience, particularly in predicting weather-related impacts on agriculture and supply chains. Since we are already facing the impacts of climate change, the conversation around AI and the environment must shift from focusing solely on climate mitigation to adaptation. Regulatory frameworks can help drive sustainability in AI, much like they do in other industrial sectors. AI has the potential to optimize decision-making in complex environments, offering promising advancements. Transparency in understanding AI's environmental costs is essential for making informed decisions. Policies that enable rapid deployment of renewables are highly important in mitigating the climate impacts of data centers. While observers are typically polarized into anti-AI and pro-AI camps, it is important to avoid extreme positions to make evidence-based, scientific decisions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Environmental Challenges 02:35 AI's Environmental Impact: A Double-Edged Sword 04:48 Harnessing AI for Sustainable Solutions 05:01 The Dual Nature of AI: Opportunities and Risks 07:21 Introduction to Water Consumption in AI Models 09:56 The Environmental Impact of AI and Data Centers 12:14 Regulatory Gaps and Corporate Responsibility 15:18 The Role of Policy in Sustainability 18:35 AI in Predictive Analytics for Climate Resilience 22:27 Decision-Oriented Learning in AI 26:33 Social Justice and Environmental Awareness 31:02 Global Perspectives on AI Regulation 34:59 Shaping Positive Actions with AI 36:15 Closing Thoughts on AI and Sustainability 39:01 Conclusion and Disclaimer Disclaimer: The content of this podcast, and its supplemental material, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers in their individual capacities and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of SPR and/or any of the clients they represent.

8. 

   2 Jun 2025

   Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of Construction

   Host Ahlia Bethea interviews Amanda Kaminsky, Director of Sustainability at Consigli Construction Co., Inc, and Alexis Saba, Associate at SPR, about sustainable construction, local regulations like NYC’s Local Law 97, and material innovations.

9. 

   14 Apr 2025

   Climate Justice in NYC: Strategies for Equitable Climate Adaptation

   SPR Associate Michael Hannaman interviews Professor Sheila R. Foster about climate resiliency and adaptation strategies in New York City, highlighting climate justice, community engagement, and the challenges of climate gentrification.

10. 

    20 Jan 2025

    Reflecting & Looking Ahead: The Biden Presidency and Incoming Trump Administration's Impact on Environmental Law

    Host Ahlia Bethea interviews Michael Gerrard and Kate Sinding Daly about the anticipated shifts in environmental law under a potential second Trump administration, focusing on the EPA's role and state responses.

11. 

    8 Jan 2025

    Welcome to SPRingBoard Environmental Law Podcast

    The SPRingBoard Environmental Law Podcast introduces its mission to deliver timely insights from leaders, consultants, academics, and activists in the evolving field of environmental law.

Who has been a guest on SPRingBoard Environmental Law Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Amanda Kaminsky
• Alexis Saba
• Sheila R Foster
• Michael Gerrard
• Kate Sinding Daly

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 6 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

12

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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