CLE Lecture with Ryan Flynn, NM Environment Department

October 22, 2017

"An Overview of EPA's Proposed Rules for Existing Power Plants"

On October 22, the UNM School of Law welcomed Cabinet Secretary Ryan Flynn, New Mexico Environment Department for a Continuing Legal Education lecture. Secretary Flynn spoke on the rules proposed by the EPA in June 2014, which are aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from existing and modified fossil fuel power plants under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act.

EPA’s proposal has broad implications for the economy and the environment and will generate a significant amount of litigation over the next few years. This discussion will provide an overview of the 111(d) rule-making process and discuss some of the legal issues surrounding the proposed rules.

On October 21, the Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit upheld the U.S. EPA’s approval of New Mexico’s State Implementation Plan addressing regional haze.

Prior to becoming Secretary, Flynn served as the Environment Department’s General Counsel and Legislative Coordinator. Before joining the Environment Department, Flynn practiced law at the Modrall Sperling law firm in the Commercial Litigation and Renewable Energy groups.

The lecture was hosted by UNM School of Law Natural Resources and Environmental Law Program and The Utton Center in cooperation with the New Mexico Bar Association Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law Section.