Environmental – Page 3 – Legal News Feed

Bloomberg Law

Hawaiian Electric Reaches $48 Million Investor Settlement Over Wildfire Preparedness Claims

Pieter Gunst2 weeks ago03 mins

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. investors have obtained approval for a $48 million settlement in a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit centered around allegations that the company misled investors regarding its preparedness and safety measures after wildfires significantly impacted the utility’s infrastructure. This settlement was approved by a federal judge, providing financial recovery for the investors…

Law360

Realty Income Corporation Seeks New Chief Legal Officer Amid Strategic Expansion Efforts

Pieter Gunst2 weeks ago04 mins

Realty Income Corporation, a recognized leader in the real estate investment trust sector, is actively seeking a new Chief Legal Officer (CLO) to join its leadership team. The move comes as the company strives to bolster its strategic positioning and navigate the complexities of the evolving regulatory landscape. The search follows the departure of its…

Law.com

“Latin America’s Legal Landscape: International Firms Shape the Future in 2025”

Pieter Gunst2 weeks ago04 mins

The legal landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean is undergoing a dynamic transformation, as illustrated by the recently published 2025 LatAm Top 30 list. This list ranks the largest law firms in the region by head count, offering insights into the evolving legal marketplace in these diverse jurisdictions. An intriguing trend has emerged: while…

Law.com

Judge’s Decision Advances NYC Congestion Pricing, Bolstering Gov. Hochul’s Environmental Agenda

Pieter Gunst2 weeks ago03 mins

In a significant legal decision, a judge has declined to halt New York’s congestion pricing scheme, marking a triumph for Governor Kathy Hochul, who has been a strong advocate of the initiative. The plan aims to reduce traffic congestion in Manhattan by imposing tolls on vehicles entering the central business district, thereby encouraging the use…

Law360

Delaware Chancery Court Emerges as Crucial Arbitration Hub for Global Corporate Disputes

Pieter Gunst2 weeks ago04 mins

The Delaware Chancery Court continues to attract attention with its docket filled with high-stakes corporate disputes. Most recently, the court has been involved in high-profile cases such as those concerning fast food giant Jack in the Box and a cannabis venture led by boxing legend Mike Tyson. These cases emphasize the unique and pivotal role…

Law360

Judges’ Reference Manual Altered: Partisan Politics and the Omission of Key Climate Science Chapter Raise Concerns

Pieter Gunst2 weeks ago04 mins

An intense debate has emerged over the perceived intrusion of partisan politics into the scientific resources used by judges. This controversy has sparked significant concern among over two dozen contributors who have raised alarms about the influence of Republican attorneys general. These officials successfully lobbied for the removal of a chapter on climate change from…

Law360

Arnold & Porter Launches Task Force to Navigate Rising State Attorney General Scrutiny

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago02 mins

Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP has announced the formation of a specialized task force designed to guide clients through increasing scrutiny by state attorneys general. This move comes as state-level enforcement ramps up across various sectors, presenting potential challenges for corporations navigating complex legal landscapes. The firm officially launched this initiative to provide timely…

Jurist

Amnesty International Warns of Global Impact from US Climate Policy Rollbacks on Vulnerable Nations Like Mozambique

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago04 mins

Amnesty International has recently highlighted the repercussions of reduced environmental protections, particularly for vulnerable countries like Mozambique, in the context of shifting climate policies from major emitting nations. The organization’s warnings come amidst increased flooding in Mozambique, which is amplifying global inequalities in climate responsibility. The country, a minimal contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions,…

Law360

Corporate Legal Departments Navigate Leadership Changes, Regulatory Challenges, and AI Integration

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago04 mins

As corporate legal departments navigate a complex environment, several key developments have captured attention this week. Highlighting changes in leadership, GSK named Terence M. Hahn as its new general counsel, a move that underscores the company’s focus on growth and strategic realignment. Hahn, previously at investment firm Calgarth Holdings, is poised to leverage his experience…

Law.com

Oregon Jury Awards Historic $242 Million in Wildfire Case Against PacifiCorp

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago04 mins

In a landmark ruling, an Oregon jury has awarded $242 million to 16 victims of the devastating wildfires, concluding a case against the utility company PacifiCorp. This decision is particularly significant, as it stands as the largest award given to wildfire victims in the state. This compensation is expected to increase to $305 million, accounting…

Law360

Carnival Corporation’s Legal Chief Sees $2.5 Million Compensation Drop Amid Industry Challenges

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

The Chief Legal Officer of Carnival Corporation, Arnaldo Perez, experienced a significant reduction in compensation, totaling nearly $2.5 million for the fiscal year 2025. This dip in pay has been attributed largely to a decrease in stock awards. Details on this adjustment in compensation can be found here. According to Carnival’s recent filings with the…

Law360

Shareholders’ Proposals Gain Momentum as Corporations Adopt Cautious Approach

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

A recent analysis of shareholder proxy materials highlights a cautious trend among corporations in addressing shareholder proposals. The report, known as the Proxy Preview Report, indicates that companies are exercising increased caution in seeking to exclude shareholder resolutions from proxy statements. The detailed findings can be found here. The report underscores a growing sensitivity within…

Law360

Lennar Corporation Invests in Legal Leadership with $8 Million Compensation for New CLO David M. Collins

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

Lennar Corporation, one of the United States’ leading homebuilders, recently announced that its Chief Legal Officer, David M. Collins, earned approximately $8 million in his first few months on the job. Collins, who joined Lennar in May, was awarded this sum through a combination of base pay, bonuses, stock awards, and other financial incentives. This…

Law.com

Uncertainty Grows as Rescission of EPA’s Endangerment Finding Sparks Legal and Regulatory Concerns

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

Businesses and legal experts are expressing concern following the rescission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Endangerment Finding, a cornerstone of regulations designed to combat climate change through limitations on greenhouse gas emissions. The uncertainty comes as a significant disruption, potentially unraveling a framework that has guided environmental compliance for over a decade, causing legal…

Law360

Hecht Partners LLP Expands National Reach with Key Additions in Florida and Minnesota

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago02 mins

Hecht Partners LLP, a New York-based litigation boutique, has expanded its national footprint by integrating 11 attorneys and 10 staff members from the class action firm George Feldman McDonald PLLC. This strategic move establishes Hecht Partners’ presence in Florida and Minnesota, enhancing its capacity to handle complex class action lawsuits. Hecht Partners is known for…

SCOTUSblog

Supreme Court Set to Deliberate on Environmental and Second Amendment Cases, Shaping Federal and State Dynamics

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago04 mins

The Supreme Court’s Relist Watch provides a unique glimpse into two divergent areas of significant legal dispute: environmental impact assessments on hazardous munitions disposal and the contentious debate over firearm regulations. These cases represent a broader ongoing discourse about federal and state interactions and the constitutional interpretation surrounding individual rights. In Department of the Air…

Law360

AT&T Settles Diversity Lawsuit with NYC Pension Funds, Pledges Transparency and Progress

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

AT&T has reached a settlement with the New York City pension funds regarding a lawsuit that challenged the company’s diversity and inclusion practices. This legal development puts an end to allegations that AT&T failed to adequately diversify its workforce and leadership, a claim brought forward by shareholders represented by the NYC pension funds. The litigation…

Jurist

UN Emphasizes the Need for Human Rights and Environmental Safeguards in Seabed Mining Regulations

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

The United Nations has urged that any future regulations concerning the governance of the seabed, especially seabed mining, must align with established international human rights and environmental laws. As the 31st session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) approaches, experts highlighted the need for regulatory frameworks to be centered on safeguarding the climate and preventing…

Law360

PepsiCo’s Legal Concession Highlights Growing Influence of Shareholder Activism on Corporate Governance

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

PepsiCo has agreed to allow a shareholder proposal to move forward after a legal challenge. The development follows a lawsuit initiated by shareholder advocacy groups, highlighting corporate responsibility and transparency standards in the governance practices of major corporations. This comes after PepsiCo initially attempted to block the proposal, which aimed to address concerns over company…

Bloomberg Law

Sheppard Mullin Expands Chicago Office with Strategic Partner Additions Gregory Buch and Susan Danko

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

In a strategic move to bolster its legal expertise in the Midwest, Sheppard Mullin has announced the hiring of two new partners, Gregory Buch and Susan Danko, for its Chicago office. This development underscores the firm’s commitment to expanding its presence in the region, especially in the fields of complex litigation and environmental law. Buch,…

Bloomberg Law

Virginia’s Data Center Growth Faces Headwinds Amid Infrastructure and Environmental Challenges

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

The expansion of AI-driven data centers in Virginia, once a robust engine for economic growth, is showing signs of deceleration. This development raises questions about the sustainability and future direction of this sector. Virginia’s data centers, primarily clustered in Loudoun County’s “Data Center Alley,” have been critical to the state’s economy, generating substantial tax revenue…

Law360

Judicial Transition: Senior Status of Judges Tymkovich and Dennis Signals Potential Shift in Appellate Court Dynamics

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago04 mins

In a significant development within the U.S. judicial system, U.S. Circuit Judge Timothy Tymkovich has opted to take senior status on the Tenth Circuit, a move that heralds a change in one of the major appellate courts. This decision follows close on the heels of U.S. Circuit Judge James L. Dennis announcing his departure from…

Law360

“SEC Unveils Enhanced Enforcement Strategy with Focus on Technology and Emerging Markets”

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has articulated a refreshed enforcement strategy that is poised to reshape the regulatory landscape. In its newly revised guidelines, the SEC underscores a commitment to a more proactive approach in detecting and deterring misconduct within the financial markets. This move marks a significant shift that places increased emphasis…

Bloomberg Law

Judge Tymkovich’s Transition to Senior Status Opens Opportunity for Trump’s Continued Influence on Federal Judiciary

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

In a significant development for the Tenth Circuit, Judge Timothy Tymkovich has announced his decision to step back from active service, opting for senior status. This transition aligns with President Donald Trump’s ability to appoint another judge to the bench, solidifying his influence on the judiciary. Tymkovich, who has served since 2003, is known for…

Bloomberg Law

Law Firms Eye Growth Opportunities Amid Booming Data Center Market

Pieter Gunst3 weeks ago03 mins

The rising demand for data centers presents a lucrative opportunity for law firms that cannot be overlooked. As industries increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, the need for legal expertise in data center development, leasing, environmental compliance, and cybersecurity is escalating. A wide array of legal services can support this burgeoning sector, encompassing contract negotiations, land…