Haiti, a country rich in natural resources and arable land, has seen its economic situation deteriorate due to foreign interference, domestic political malfeasance, natural disasters, social instability, and epidemics. As a result, it is now one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere (CIA). The political instability in the nation has intensified following the…
In a recent move, Vanessa Richelle Wilson has been recruited by Akin to serve as a partner in their projects and energy transition practice based in Washington, D.C., as reported by Bloomberg Law. Having distinguished herself through her focused approach to a variety of energy transactions, Wilson features an impressive professional repertoire. Her experience spans…
In a recent decision made public on November 16, 2023, the Full Chamber of the Colombian Constitutional Court has declared the paragraph 1 of Article 19 of Law 2277 of 2022, unconstitutional. This law, prevalent in the taxation sector, had stated that royalties derived from the exploitation of natural resources were non-deductible from income tax….
Amid legal framework advancements, the Colombian Government recently ratified Decree 1384 of 2023, an adjunct to Law 70 of 1993, to institute new regulations pertaining to the utilization and management of natural resources in collective territories or areas owned by black, Afro-Colombian, Raizal, and Palenquera communities. This particular decree was issued as an extension of…
On November 2, 2023, a hearing was convened by the Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources with the purpose to “Examine Opportunities and Challenges in Deploying CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) and DAC (Direct Air Capture) Technologies on Federal and Non-Federal Lands.” Opening statements at this pivotal dialogue were made by committee Chairman…
Established over a century ago, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher has emerged as a major player in the energy deals market, amassing more than $90 billion worth of energy deals this year, outperforming any other law firm. This achievement comes six years after the firm, originally known for their litigation practice, made the strategic decision to…
In January, the United States Supreme Court will hear arguments in two key cases aiming to overturn a prominent precedent on deference to federal administrative agencies, as pointed out by legal reporter Amy Howe at the SCOTUSblog. Illuminating the calendar for the January argument session are Relentless, Inc. v. Department of Commerce and Loper Bright…
Last month, a momentous gathering convened near Yosemite National Park for the annual Yosemite Environmental Law Conference. Professionals in environmental and natural resources law, came together as they addressed current critical issues encompassing aspects like groundwater regulation, coastal development, renewable energy development, and environmental justice. Included among the attendees were members from the seasoned team…
Norton Rose Fulbright has revitalized its international arbitration practice in Asia with the addition Of Kent Philips, who recently worked as a partner at Hogan Lovells. Law.com reports about this latest development. Philips, who has nearly 25 years of experience in the legal profession, has conducted arbitrations under institutional rules across major legal seats under…
Vinson & Elkins has recently welcomed Kilian de Cintré into their corporate and finance practice based in London, as reported on Monday. The addition of de Cintré to the team represents a significant strengthening of the firm’s corporate practice. With a rich career background primarily in Milbank, de Cintré carries with him immense knowledge and…
The highly renowned SCOTUSblog brings you weekday curated news articles, commentary, and other significant links related to the Supreme Court. As your trusted source of legal update for Monday, November 13, the digest covers a range of pressing issues, including the potential end of the Chevron doctrine and insights into the activities of Justice Barrett….
The investigation by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) into Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation (ENRC) has offered multiple key insights over its duration, particularly regarding the question of when redactions are deemed reasonable. The most recent instance involved the High Court studying some redactions the SFO included in a report it revealed in the investigation. This…
The Supreme Court of the United States begins grappling with the persistent and high-stakes issue of the Chevron doctrine’s viability. Amy case at the centre of this debate is Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, Case No. 21-5166, for which the Supreme Court granted certiorari on May 1, 2023. James P. McLoughlin Jr., Mary Katherine Stukes…
Legal professionals who are invested in the progression of environmental, land use, and natural resources law should pay careful attention to the forthcoming changes to Proposition 65’s warning requirements. These amendments are currently under consideration in California, a state known for its progressive environmental protection programs and regulations. Proposition 65, officially known as the Safe…
In a significant move, Earthjustice and several other organizations have served notice to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), alleging the agency’s failure to revise certain regulations. The document sent on August 31st is styled as a “60-day Notice of Intent to Sue for Failure to Perform Non-Discretionary Duty Under the Resource Conservation and…
In a striking development in the arbitration world, the English Court has upheld a challenge to an enormous arbitration award against Nigeria, estimated at US$11 billion, on the grounds of it being fraudulently procured. The judgment, which aimed to rectify what English judge referred to as “the most severe abuses of the arbitral process”, offers…
In its 2023 term, the U.S. Supreme Court will undertake the hearing of a potentially transformative case, Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (Case no. 22-451). At the centre of this proceedings is the request of the appellants for the highest court in the land to reconsider and, they hope, reverse the decision that was made…
On October 26, Delaware Attorney General (AG) Kathleen Jennings initiated legal action against fourteen chemical companies, alleging their liability for contaminating the state’s natural resources with per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are traceable to the use and disposal of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam product extensively employed at airports and military bases….
Legal observers and environmental professionals are increasingly focusing their attention on the implications of the case, Sackett v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), especially in regards to Clean Water Act protections for wetlands and streams. On October 18th, the case was the subject of a hearing, spearheaded by the US Senate Committee on Environment &…
In a crucial update on environmental justice, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has released the first-ever Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy Report. A keystone project of the DOJ’s newly minted Office of Environmental Justice, the report reflects a significant commitment by the DOJ towards advancing environmental justice across the nation. The Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy…
October has seen a surge of activity in the United States Mergers and Acquisitions market, making it the busiest month since June 2019. Several industries, notably energy and pharmaceuticals, have been key drivers in this uptick in deal-making activity. Despite the escalating geopolitical uncertainty and challenges from the Israel-Hamas war, major deals continue to push…
In a crucial development connecting the spheres of healthcare and environmental issues, Curtis Bay Energy, LP, commonly known as Curtis Bay, has entered a guilty plea addressing state charges related to their special medical waste incinerator facility located in South Baltimore City, Maryland. This marks a sizable legal action in the field of environmental criminal…
In a significant move within the energy sector, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison has counseled Chevron Corp. on the successful purchase of its competitor, Hess Corp. Totalling an all-stock transaction value of $53 billion, this adds another feather to the cap of the illustrious law firm. Read more here. The legal cohort accompanying Paul…
In a recent development that marks another significant consolidation in the U.S. oil industry, Chevron Corp. has announced an agreement to acquire Hess Corp. The deal, which is worth $53 billion, follows Chevron’s standard all-stock transaction pattern. As part of the acquisition, Chevron is set to pay $171 per share for Hess. Monday’s statement from…
Salaries of partners in top law firms such as Hogan Lovells and Quinn Emanuel located in Washington are on an upward trajectory, with some high performing individuals and key lateral hires commanding compensation of over $5 million. An elite subset is even making between $15 million and $20 million, suggesting a significant shift in the…