What We Are Reading: Environmental & Energy Series

Week of August 17

As August winds down and many people squeeze in one last summer getaway, the environmental and energy world continues to generate headlines. This week’s developments focused on several recurring themes we’ve been watching throughout 2026: PFAS, data centers, grid growth, and the continuing evolution of Superfund policy.

Court Upholds EPA’s PFAS Superfund Designations

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld EPA’s designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA. The court rejected challenges brought by an industry coalition and concluded that EPA acted lawfully in designating the two PFAS compounds as hazardous substances under federal Superfund law. Read more: Court’s Decision.

EPA Advances Superfund Cleanup Efforts

EPA announced the deletion of six Superfund sites from the National Priorities List and the partial deletion of two additional sites, while also proposing partial deletions at three more locations. The agency characterized the action as part of a broader effort to accelerate Superfund cleanups and encourage redevelopment of remediated properties for productive community use. Read more: EPA Press Release.

Solar Growth Reshapes the Nation’s Electric Grid

According to new research from BloombergNEF, growth in solar generation has helped the region served by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) become the nation’s largest electric supply region, surpassing the region centered on PJM Interconnection. The development highlights the continued expansion of utility-scale solar generation and the increasingly important role renewable resources are playing in meeting rising electricity demand across the entire country. Read more: Insurance Journal Article.

Pennsylvania Adopts Strict Data Center Requirements

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order establishing new requirements for data center development, including community transparency measures, local approval requirements, and obligations related to power supply and environmental performance. The action reflects the growing scrutiny that states are applying to large data center projects as concerns about electricity demand, infrastructure impacts, and community effects continue to grow. Read more: Governor Shapiro Press Release.