The global move towards electrification has led to a notable boost in the deployment of lithium-ion batteries across a variety of sectors. Recognizing this trend, earlier this summer, the U.S. EPA issued a significant non-binding Memorandum on Lithium Battery Recycling Regulatory Status and Frequently Asked Questions. The EPA’s move, although not enforcing any legislative changes…
In an era increasingly dominated by digital transformation, the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape across myriad sectors. Preeminent among these are the environmental and energy sectors, where the influence of generative AI is yielding significant results and driving innovative change. Instrumental to this revolution is the growth and development of…
For legal professionals, understanding the complexities of environmental regulations such as Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA) is a crucial part of advising corporations in the agricultural and fisheries sectors. Enacted five years ago by the Canadian Federal Government, the act presents both unique opportunities and challenges for farmers, greenhouse operators, and fishermen. One…
Recent actions by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signal a notable shift in the agency’s long-standing approach to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Historically known for declining to regulate manufactured goods or finished products also known as “articles” under the TSCA, the EPA seems to be departing from this norm. The institution has…
In the latest episode of Talking Ag Biotech, Keith Matthews and Chris Wozniak were joined by a new guest, Kimberly Reynolds of Wiley’s International Trade Practice. The central topic of their discussion was the current U.S. Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA) Genetically-Engineered (GE) corn trade dispute. This situation has come about as a result of Mexico’s decision…
On July 13, 2023, the Washington State Department of Ecology put forth a series of proposed amendments to Chapter 173-443 WAC, which focuses on the regulation of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Prominent among these changes are sweeping revisions that target HFCs and establish new requirements for facilities with refrigeration or air conditioning systems. The move represents a…
In the world of law, it seems the old school excuse “the dog ate my homework” isn’t quite cutting it. A recent incident with Rudy Giuliani reveals that such tactics may not be sufficient to avoid discovery, as reported by The Guardian. In other developments, online legislation is causing a rather uncomfortable shift in the…
The Climate Tech Ecosystem represents an area of technology expressly focused on mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a key driving factor behind climate change. The term ‘Climate Tech’ is gradually replacing traditional phrases such as ‘cleantech’ and ‘greentech’, which predominantly highlight human impact on the environment. Notably, Climate Tech expands beyond simply mitigating GHG emissions….
On June 20, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed significant amendments to the existing rules related to the use of certain chemicals. A record of this proposal can be found published in the Federal Register. Known as the Significant New Use Rules (SNURs), these amendments fall under the authority of the Toxic Substances…
The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) recently published its Quarter 2 Short-Term Assessment of Reliability (STAR) report on July 14, 2023, which raised concerns about potential electricity supply shortfalls in New York City beginning in the summer of 2025. The report has profound implications for law firms and corporations around the city and presents…
The Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment – Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the United States Army, Pine Bluff Arsenal (U.S.) have reportedly entered into a Consent Administrative Order (CAO) as of July 13. This action is specifically in response to issues arising from dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) contamination. The Consent Administrative Order…
On July 21, 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adamantly refused a request that it reconsider its earlier decision taken in May 2022, permitting the use of eight different types of phthalates as food-contact substances. In the identical correspondence, the regulatory body further reiterated its commitment to maintain clearance for the additional five…
Environmental advocacy and the protection of clean water continue to play significant roles in public policy and legal arenas. A recent development in this space involves Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Black Warrior River watershed. The organization, together with the Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution, has…
General counsels (GCs) have cited greenwashing, data breaches, and regulatory changes as some of the major issues causing them concern, according to discussions at the ninth annual General Counsel Summit in Sydney on August 7. These issues loom large in their thought processes and strategic planning due to their potentially disruptive impacts on their respective…
Recently, the Second District Court of Appeal (Div. 5) affirmed a judgment which was of major significance in the realm of property law and development initiatives. The judgment involved the voiding of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)’s infill exemption for a Hollywood hotel project. The hotel construction proposal in question planned for the demolition…
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has put forth a proposal for a new assurance standard focused on climate disclosures. Major legal and financial professionals would do well to pay close attention to this matter, given the extremely pertinent nature of the topic for businesses globally. The link to the proposal can be…
In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” or “Commission”) formulated a novel oversight instrument called the Form PF (Private Fund). The inception of this mechanism was to primarily scrutinize and assess systemic market risks that could be potentially inflicted by private funds. This strategic move has…
For those closely monitoring the regulatory landscape, particularly in the realm of environmental law, it is crucial to understand the forthcoming changes disclosed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”). Recently, the agency published its Spring 2023 Semi-Annual Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (the “Agenda”), albeit somewhat later than expected. This comprehensive agenda,…
The topic of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) proposals has been a hot-button issue in the 2023 proxy season. Public-company shareholders faced a barrage of these proposals, in line with a trend noted by the EY Center for Board Matters. Nevertheless, the study by EY observed a telling trend: shareholders have become increasingly selective, a…
A detailed understanding of Ag-Gag legislation, especially for legal professionals working with agricultural and animal production industries in the United States is vital. This legislation, enacted in several states, aims to provide lawful protection to these industries from unauthorized interferences. The legality of these laws, however, continues to remain a point of contention. The legislation,…
As global discussions about trade ethics and corporate responsibility intensify, Germany has led the charge with its Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains. However, recent developments reveal a much-elaborated landscape than initially perceived. Addressees of the legislation should, therefore, take keen note of the unfolding factors that are destined to shape its…
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a commitment on 31 July 2023 to award hundreds of new petroleum licenses within the North Sea. This decision has been met with forceful criticism from opposition political parties as well as environmental advocacy groups. The contention primarily stems from claims that this policy is more or less incompatible…
Gilbert + Tobin, an esteemed Australian law firm, recently added a new member to its partnership fold. Drawing expertise from competitors, the firm has recruited a specialist renewable energy lawyer from Ashurst, highlighting an increased demand for professionals versed in the sectors of projects and infrastructure law. Although it’s not uncommon for legal firms to…
On August 1, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared the first set of product and service categories that were selected for the expansion of its Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing. The announcement plays a role in a more extensive effort that was previously declared last year to widen the…
In light of the escalating temperatures across large sections of the United States, employer obligations regarding workplace safety become a matter of urgent importance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics offers striking figures on the health risks related to these climatic conditions. Since 2011, over 400 workers in the US have lost their lives due to…