Dan Farber
@dfarber1950.bsky.social
Law professor and director of Center for Law, Energy, and the Environment at UC Berkeley
So, what happens when you put your healthcare in the hands of social influencers instead of qualified experts? We're about to find out, because the people are even further removed from reality than you think.
legal-planet.org/2026/01/15/m...
legal-planet.org/2026/01/15/m...
MAHA's Evidence-Free Health Policy - Legal Planet
Key health agencies are now in the hands of earnest, well-meaning people who, unfortunately, don’t know what they’re talking about.
legal-planet.org
January 15, 2026 at 5:42 PM
So, what happens when you put your healthcare in the hands of social influencers instead of qualified experts? We're about to find out, because the people are even further removed from reality than you think.
legal-planet.org/2026/01/15/m...
legal-planet.org/2026/01/15/m...
The video from our convening on Science and Democracy is now up.
www.kaltura.com/index.php/ex...?
www.kaltura.com/index.php/ex...?
A Convening on Science, Democracy & the Environment - What is Happening & How
www.kaltura.com
January 12, 2026 at 9:17 PM
The video from our convening on Science and Democracy is now up.
www.kaltura.com/index.php/ex...?
www.kaltura.com/index.php/ex...?
Conservatives have soured on cost-benefit analysis since it turns out thatthe benefits of many environmental regulations far outweigh their costs. The Trump EPA's response: stop counting the number of lives saved by regulations.
legal-planet.org/2026/01/12/i...
legal-planet.org/2026/01/12/i...
Is This the End of Cost-Benefit Analysis? - Legal Planet
The Trump EPA is going to stop estimating the health benefits of pollution control. That's essentially a repudiation of cost-benefit analysis.
legal-planet.org
January 12, 2026 at 7:40 PM
Conservatives have soured on cost-benefit analysis since it turns out thatthe benefits of many environmental regulations far outweigh their costs. The Trump EPA's response: stop counting the number of lives saved by regulations.
legal-planet.org/2026/01/12/i...
legal-planet.org/2026/01/12/i...
The Supreme Court is hearing a case involving an obscure procedural issue, but the upshot is that Big Oil is trying to get out of accountability for their damage to Louisiana coastal areas. Here's what you need to know.
legal-planet.org/2026/01/12/a...
legal-planet.org/2026/01/12/a...
A Procedural Snarl in the Oil Patch - Legal Planet
Chevron v. Plaquemines Parish involves an obscure jurisdictional issue. The Court is likely to ignore the common sense solution.
legal-planet.org
January 12, 2026 at 3:07 PM
The Supreme Court is hearing a case involving an obscure procedural issue, but the upshot is that Big Oil is trying to get out of accountability for their damage to Louisiana coastal areas. Here's what you need to know.
legal-planet.org/2026/01/12/a...
legal-planet.org/2026/01/12/a...
This is appalling. Abigail Spanberger should fire this apparent academic fraud and the Board members who hired him.
augustafreepress.com/news/vanishi...
augustafreepress.com/news/vanishi...
How UVA’s presidential search missed what took us an hour to find
Inside Higher Ed frames the controversy surrounding Scott C. Beardsley's appointment as the University of Virginia's president.
augustafreepress.com
January 12, 2026 at 1:25 AM
This is appalling. Abigail Spanberger should fire this apparent academic fraud and the Board members who hired him.
augustafreepress.com/news/vanishi...
augustafreepress.com/news/vanishi...
I was always cool toward talk about neo-colonialism and US imperialism. My bad.
January 12, 2026 at 1:17 AM
I was always cool toward talk about neo-colonialism and US imperialism. My bad.
Those who contribute to disaster harms may find themselves liable under tort law, various federal statutes, and even the Constitution. Climate change will ramp up disaster impacts and elevate the legal issues.
legal-forum.uchicago.edu/sites/defaul...
legal-forum.uchicago.edu/sites/defaul...
legal-forum.uchicago.edu
January 9, 2026 at 10:59 PM
Those who contribute to disaster harms may find themselves liable under tort law, various federal statutes, and even the Constitution. Climate change will ramp up disaster impacts and elevate the legal issues.
legal-forum.uchicago.edu/sites/defaul...
legal-forum.uchicago.edu/sites/defaul...
Reposted by Dan Farber
Current DOJ use of force policy states that even if the ICE officer did what Trump, Vance and others are claiming he did, that's still not allowed. From the policy here: www.justice.gov/archives/ag/...
January 8, 2026 at 11:58 PM
Current DOJ use of force policy states that even if the ICE officer did what Trump, Vance and others are claiming he did, that's still not allowed. From the policy here: www.justice.gov/archives/ag/...
Some thoughts about the US withdrawing from the 1992 Climate Treaty entered into by George HW Bush, and the larger pattern it fits into. The U.S. can no longer be considered a responsible member of the international community.
legal-planet.org/2026/01/08/t...
legal-planet.org/2026/01/08/t...
The U.S. Has Now Become a Rogue Nation - Legal Planet
Trump's repudiation of the UN climate treaty may not block future US action, but it does express his contempt for international community.
legal-planet.org
January 8, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Some thoughts about the US withdrawing from the 1992 Climate Treaty entered into by George HW Bush, and the larger pattern it fits into. The U.S. can no longer be considered a responsible member of the international community.
legal-planet.org/2026/01/08/t...
legal-planet.org/2026/01/08/t...
Reposted by Dan Farber
The Energy Institute at Haas is looking for a new Associate Director to fill unfillable shoes when Karen Notsund retires in June. The AD manages financial and research admin, participates in policy outreach, and helps build the EI community. Info at haas.berkeley.edu/energy-insti...
Announcements - UC Berkeley Haas
Seeking Applicants for Associate Director position at the Energy Institute at Haas January 5, 2026 The Energy Institute at Haas has started the process to hire a new Associate Director. Our current As...
haas.berkeley.edu
January 8, 2026 at 12:17 AM
The Energy Institute at Haas is looking for a new Associate Director to fill unfillable shoes when Karen Notsund retires in June. The AD manages financial and research admin, participates in policy outreach, and helps build the EI community. Info at haas.berkeley.edu/energy-insti...
Absolutely horrific details about an ICE shooting in Minneapolis.
A witness says a woman was trying to drive away from an ICE operation and the ICE agent "reached across the hood of the car and shot her in the face like three, four times."
Bovino was there.
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
A witness says a woman was trying to drive away from an ICE operation and the ICE agent "reached across the hood of the car and shot her in the face like three, four times."
Bovino was there.
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
January 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Reposted by Dan Farber
NEW: An ICE officer killed a person in broad daylight in Minneapolis today — with posted video appearing to contradict the DHS statement claiming self-defense, as the driver appeared to be attempting to drive away when shot.
MPR: www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Video: bsky.app/profile/dani...
MPR: www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Video: bsky.app/profile/dani...
January 7, 2026 at 6:21 PM
NEW: An ICE officer killed a person in broad daylight in Minneapolis today — with posted video appearing to contradict the DHS statement claiming self-defense, as the driver appeared to be attempting to drive away when shot.
MPR: www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Video: bsky.app/profile/dani...
MPR: www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Video: bsky.app/profile/dani...
Trump went on an anti-environmental rampage last year, but he may start to encounter significant headwinds in 2026.
legal-planet.org/2026/01/05/2...
legal-planet.org/2026/01/05/2...
2026: The Year Ahead - Legal Planet
What to watch for environmentally in 2026: court tests of Trump's power, midterms, China, grid issues, and state energy moves.
legal-planet.org
January 5, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Trump went on an anti-environmental rampage last year, but he may start to encounter significant headwinds in 2026.
legal-planet.org/2026/01/05/2...
legal-planet.org/2026/01/05/2...
Everyone benefits from the hard work of others to clean up our air and water, restrict toxic chemicals, save wilderness, and protect the climate. It's a gift that we should all try to pass on to others. legal-planet.org/2025/12/23/e...
Everyday Christmas: The Gift of the Commons - Legal Planet
One of the Christmas classics is the Jimmy Stewart movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. George Bailey, Stewart’s character, is despondent about his life until he learns how much he has unknowingly helped oth...
legal-planet.org
December 24, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Everyone benefits from the hard work of others to clean up our air and water, restrict toxic chemicals, save wilderness, and protect the climate. It's a gift that we should all try to pass on to others. legal-planet.org/2025/12/23/e...
In support of its extraordinary rollback campaign, the Trump Administration relies again and again on the same six arguments. Each one relies on understating regulatory benefits and overstating costs.
legal-planet.org/2025/12/22/g...
legal-planet.org/2025/12/22/g...
Games Deregulators Play - Legal Planet
Here are the five major arguments that the Trump Administration has used to justifying eliminating environmental protections.
legal-planet.org
December 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM
In support of its extraordinary rollback campaign, the Trump Administration relies again and again on the same six arguments. Each one relies on understating regulatory benefits and overstating costs.
legal-planet.org/2025/12/22/g...
legal-planet.org/2025/12/22/g...
I stumbled on Trump's presidential message about the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which ends with the "Hail Mary" prayer. More Christian nationalism.
www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-st...
www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-st...
Presidential Message on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Today, I recognize every American celebrating December 8 as a Holy Day honoring the faith, humility, and love of Mary, mother of Jesus and one of the
www.whitehouse.gov
December 20, 2025 at 5:59 PM
I stumbled on Trump's presidential message about the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which ends with the "Hail Mary" prayer. More Christian nationalism.
www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-st...
www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-st...
Reposted by Dan Farber
Who's afraid of NEPA? Guest contributors Dinah Bear and Niel Lawrence argue that the National Environmental Policy Act process provides unique and wide-reaching benefits.
legal-planet.org/2025/12/17/w...
legal-planet.org/2025/12/17/w...
What's So Special About NEPA? - Legal Planet
NEPA is our one, full-spectrum, nationwide mechanism for getting agencies toward decisions that are smart, well-informed, and responsive
legal-planet.org
December 17, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Who's afraid of NEPA? Guest contributors Dinah Bear and Niel Lawrence argue that the National Environmental Policy Act process provides unique and wide-reaching benefits.
legal-planet.org/2025/12/17/w...
legal-planet.org/2025/12/17/w...
In this post, two NEPA experts point out what the law's opponent have been missing: The law can actually lead to improved decisions.
legal-planet.org/2025/12/17/w...
legal-planet.org/2025/12/17/w...
What's So Special About NEPA? - Legal Planet
NEPA is our one, full-spectrum, nationwide mechanism for getting agencies toward decisions that are smart, well-informed, and responsive
legal-planet.org
December 17, 2025 at 4:54 PM
In this post, two NEPA experts point out what the law's opponent have been missing: The law can actually lead to improved decisions.
legal-planet.org/2025/12/17/w...
legal-planet.org/2025/12/17/w...
Trump's assaults on state AI and climate policies involve different domains, but with a shared goal of consolidating power in his hands.
legal-planet.org/2025/12/16/f...
legal-planet.org/2025/12/16/f...
Federalism, AI, and the Environment - Legal Planet
Trump's executive orders on climate and AI share a common flaw: a failure to understand the federalist system.
legal-planet.org
December 16, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Trump's assaults on state AI and climate policies involve different domains, but with a shared goal of consolidating power in his hands.
legal-planet.org/2025/12/16/f...
legal-planet.org/2025/12/16/f...
Reposted by Dan Farber
The OMB’s push for “rollback exceptionalism” isn’t about freedom; it’s about fast-tracking the removal of protections that people rely on. Read more in the new @theregreview.bsky.social commentary by Member Scholar @dfarber1950.bsky.social
www.theregreview.org/2025/12/08/f...
www.theregreview.org/2025/12/08/f...
The Case Against Rollback Exceptionalism | The Regulatory Review
OMB’s recent memo fails to make a successful case for deregulation.
www.theregreview.org
December 9, 2025 at 12:27 AM
The OMB’s push for “rollback exceptionalism” isn’t about freedom; it’s about fast-tracking the removal of protections that people rely on. Read more in the new @theregreview.bsky.social commentary by Member Scholar @dfarber1950.bsky.social
www.theregreview.org/2025/12/08/f...
www.theregreview.org/2025/12/08/f...
Reposted by Dan Farber
A district court overturns the moratorium on offshore wind, deciding two key legal issues along the way. @dfarber1950.bsky.social
legal-planet.org/2025/12/15/t...
legal-planet.org/2025/12/15/t...
The Answers are Blowing in the Wind - Legal Planet
A decision blocking a moratorium on offshore wind set limits on use of presidential directives to avoid legal rules governing agencies.
legal-planet.org
December 15, 2025 at 5:09 PM
A district court overturns the moratorium on offshore wind, deciding two key legal issues along the way. @dfarber1950.bsky.social
legal-planet.org/2025/12/15/t...
legal-planet.org/2025/12/15/t...
A recent decision overturned Trump's ban on offshore wind. It rejected Trump's claim that the normal rules of judicial rule don't apply when an agency acts pursuant to a presidential directive. That's going to be a key legal issue in the next few years.
legal-planet.org/2025/12/15/t...
legal-planet.org/2025/12/15/t...
The Answers are Blowing in the Wind - Legal Planet
A decision blocking a moratorium on offshore wind set limits on use of presidential directives to avoid legal rules governing agencies.
legal-planet.org
December 15, 2025 at 5:37 PM
A recent decision overturned Trump's ban on offshore wind. It rejected Trump's claim that the normal rules of judicial rule don't apply when an agency acts pursuant to a presidential directive. That's going to be a key legal issue in the next few years.
legal-planet.org/2025/12/15/t...
legal-planet.org/2025/12/15/t...
I kind of like the idea of making it into a homeless shelter instead.
It is important to promise, now, that whatever Trump builds at the White House will be torn down as soon as he leaves.
www.hamiltonnolan.com/p/if-he-buil...
www.hamiltonnolan.com/p/if-he-buil...
If He Builds It, Tear It Down
Pendulums must swing.
www.hamiltonnolan.com
December 14, 2025 at 1:23 AM
I kind of like the idea of making it into a homeless shelter instead.
Reposted by Dan Farber
There couldn’t be a more important time for the work we do, writes @dfarber1950.bsky.social. Twice a year we let you know how to support Legal Planet and the two law centers that publish it: @cleeberkeley.bsky.social and @uclalawemmett.bsky.social
legal-planet.org/2025/12/11/y...
legal-planet.org/2025/12/11/y...
Yes, It’s That Time of Year Again - Legal Planet
The federal government is now MIA in the fight against climate change. Our missionsn at Berkeley and UCLA is to help states fill the gap.
legal-planet.org
December 11, 2025 at 4:49 PM
There couldn’t be a more important time for the work we do, writes @dfarber1950.bsky.social. Twice a year we let you know how to support Legal Planet and the two law centers that publish it: @cleeberkeley.bsky.social and @uclalawemmett.bsky.social
legal-planet.org/2025/12/11/y...
legal-planet.org/2025/12/11/y...
Reposted by Dan Farber
Besides a donation to the law centers and legal clinics behind Legal Planet, you can support us with a follow and by subscribing to our free daily email newsletter. legal-planet.org/subscriptions/
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December 11, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Besides a donation to the law centers and legal clinics behind Legal Planet, you can support us with a follow and by subscribing to our free daily email newsletter. legal-planet.org/subscriptions/