In a recent decision that resonates with environmentalists and legal professionals alike, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia addressed a critical aspect of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The judgment dealt with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ refusal to designate a critical habitat for the endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee….
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a proposal in the Federal Register Notice pertaining to the approval of revisions to the Arkansas State Implementation Plan (SIP). As per provisions of the Clean Air Act, the modification of the Arkansas SIP tackles specific environmental and air quality standards. The initiative bears significance for…
In a unanimous decision, the Washington Supreme Court held that breaches of the state’s animal protection laws cannot substantiate a claim for public nuisance. Eight members of the court subscribed to the majority opinion, with Chief Justice Steven C. González penning a concurring opinion. The ruling was given in response to a question certified by…
The life sciences real estate sector has seen significant changes in recent months. As per a report from CBRE, Inc., the average vacancy rate for laboratory and research and development space across the top 13 U.S. life sciences markets stood at 9% in the second quarter. This marks an increase of over four percentage points…
Fast fashion brands Shein and Forever 21 have entered into a partnership, signaling an even more widespread proliferation of fast fashion across the globe. This move intertwines their business models in what is projected to be a mutually rewarding deal for both entities. The collaboration between Shein and Forever 21 promises to merge the strengths…
The Washington County Landfill Expansion’s saga continues to unfold as Individual Petitioners and the Mayor of Tontitown, Russell, jointly filed a brief in support of a second motion for summary judgment. This action is the latest chapter in ongoing legal challenges against the permit issuance for the Eco-Vista Landfill. As previously noted in our discussions…
In an escalating legal battle in Atlanta, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is making a stand against former DOJ environmental lawyer Jeff Clark, former Georgia GOP chair David Shaffer, and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. The trio finds themselves embroiled in the aftermath of attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election…
The annual International Legal Technology Association Conference (ILTACON), currently underway, is the mere embodiment of progress within the legal technology space. As per the Above the Law coverage, the conference has attracted over 3,400 registrants, making it one of the largest gatherings of its kind. Notably, attendees utilised the Klik technology extensively at the event,…
Attending law school is an undeniably tough endeavour, but Boston College Law School student Samantha Perlman proves it doesn’t have to be a barrier to public service. Perlman is not only managing her studies, but she’s also aiming to become mayor of her hometown, Marlborough, Massachusetts. This prominent link between the legal academia and political…
When Peter Zaman was hired by Holman Fenwick Willan in 2021, his role as a climate finance and environmental products expert was clearly aligned with the firm’s energy, commodities, aerospace, shipping, construction and insurance sectors in Asia. All of these sectors deal heavily with fossil fuels, indicating a problem that Zaman, a former partner at…
The conveniences of virtual Continuing Legal Education (CLE) sessions, such as the lack of commute and control over environmental conditions, is no longer news to many practicing lawyers in a post-COVID world. However, an odd factor contributing to the ‘comfort’ is the decrease in the need to adhere to strict dress codes, as several professionals…
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has become a key focus for stakeholders of all stripes, from corporations and employees to regulators and NGOs. The EY US CEO Survey confirms this growing trend, with 82% of US CEOs considering ESG a key driver of value for their businesses. This has led to increased efforts by professional…
In a recent and rare unanimous decision, the California Supreme Court invalidated a Monterey County voter-endorsed local initiative designed to ban oil and gas drilling while imposing stiff restrictions on oil and gas developments in the county. Such a precedent-setting ruling brings a focus to the legal tension between local and state laws surrounding the…
In today’s legal and environmental landscapes, there is a growing focus on water resource management, highlighted starkly by the American Water Works Association’s social media campaign, ‘Value of Water’. This initiative makes use of an impactful slogan, ‘No Water No Beer’, which is more than just a catchy phrase, it brings to the forefront a…
As the global pandemic continues, we find ourselves in the midst of a medical device and equipment shortage. The shortage has compelled medical providers to invest heavily in alternative sterile medical products and, in some instances, to implement rationing. Amidst these already tense dynamics, the FDA has requested that the EPA pump the brakes on…
Several leading industry organizations, including the American Chemistry Council, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, and Vinyl Institute (collectively known as “ACC”) have formally submitted comments to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its proposed New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for…
In a crucial interpretation of longstanding legislation, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recently addressed the scope of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) term “operator”, in a case headlined by MRP Properties Company, LLC v. United States. This examination brings into focus the role and responsibilities of…
For a considerable amount of time, renowned organization DuPont de Nemours, Inc., along with its associated entities, (collectively referred to as “DuPont”), has been navigating the complexities of a proposed class action settlement. This legal proposition is associated with public water providers, who allege pervasive per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination issues caused by DuPont’s…
In a recent case, North Carolina Coastal Fisheries Reform Group, et al., v. Capt. Gaston LLC, a three-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with a District Court Judge’s findings. This related to the instance when shrimpers return bycatch caught in their nets back to the ocean when their intent was to…
In a sustained effort to reduce pollution and protect both human health and natural ecosystems, the European Parliament has proposed amendments to existing legislation that governs Europe’s various water bodies. These bodies include inland, transitional, and coastal surface waters, as well as groundwater. This move is seen as part of furthering the European Commission’s Zero…
In a recent court ruling, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted summary judgment in favor of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on Friday, August 4, 2023. The judgement comes in the case of Melone v. Coit et al, 21-cv-11171 (Talwani, J.). More information about the judgement can be found…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed an important update to the Air Emissions Reporting Requirements (AERR) aimed at collecting additional emissions data vital for conducting air quality and risk analyses. On July 25, 2023, the EPA presented this rule, which can be found published in the Federal Register on August 9, 2023, among…
The European Union continues to take strides towards a more sustainable future by reinforcing corporate responsibility for human rights and their environmental impact. The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), set to pass in early June 2023, reflects these ambitious efforts. The focus now falls on the passing of this significant legislation following its successful…
In a recent turn of events, the Fourth District Court of Appeal has mandated the publication of its decision, originally processed on June 8, 2023, which supports the judgment of the trial court. This judgment confirms a Newport Beach multifamily project approval against various California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) challenges. The document was published on…
In a remarkable turn of events, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have been utilized for service of process by a federal district court. A Florida-based judge ordered a default judgment of $2.2 million against a defendant, for whom the service of process was previously authorized via an NFT, according to a recent report by BakerHostetler. While this…