In an unprecedented move, California’s Attorney General’s Office and the Labor Commissioner have teamed up to petition the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for a waiver of meal and rest period preemption determination, aimed at protecting the state’s drivers. The Attorney General’s push comes after FMCSA announced in August that it would commence the…
On November 9, 2023, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) pioneered the introduction of new delivery platforms for transportation infrastructure projects, successfully registering full attendance at their launch event in Indianapolis. The latest additions to the statutorily authorized pilot programs are Progressive Design-Build (PDB) and Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) methods. These platforms, authorized by Indiana…
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for what it anticipates will be its busiest holiday travel season to date. This comes as a potential government shutdown looms, possibly just days away. Despite these challenging circumstances, TSA employees and federal air traffic controllers are obligated to work, albeit without pay during a shutdown. This may…
A disturbing event unfolded in London when two attorneys, one from Slaughter and May, and the other from Morrison & Foerster, faced an antisemitic incident. The incident happened on a public transportation bus where an unidentified woman repeatedly harassed the couple with antisemitic questions. Post this incident, both lawyers sought the LinkedIn platform to share…
The recently released Fifth National Climate Assessment from the US government confirms an increase in extreme weather events as a direct result of climate change, despite a national decrease in US greenhouse gas emissions. The report emphasizes the urgent need for further action to avert potential nationwide catastrophe. The urgency comes in the backdrop of…
As we leave 2023 behind and look towards the fresh start offered by the new year, it’s an opportune time for Illinois employers and their legal advisors to reflect on new legislation set to impact their operations. Principal among these is House Bill 2068, a law implementing a “pre-tax commuter benefit” for employees, effective January…
The use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, by state and local agencies has significantly increased in recent years. The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (Department) in Alaska, has been making headlines lately with their progressive utilization of drones. The department has begun using these remote-controlled devices for tasks such as…
California, one of the largest states in the U.S. by both population and economy, has been deeply intertwined in the evolving conversation surrounding the decriminalization and regulation of psychedelic medicines. A significant development recently took place on October 7, when Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that promised to decriminalize the possession, preparation, procurement, and…
Germany has long been recognized as a pacesetter in the energy sector, particularly in the field of renewables. Recently, the country has been edging closer towards realizing the potential of hydrogen as an energy vector. According to an interview on JD Supra, Tobias Larisch of Latham & Watkins Energy & Infrastructure spoke with two industry…
In recent developments, the United States House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment has produced an enlightening piece of analysis. Titled ‘Murky Water: Navigating a Post-Sackett World’, the work dives deep into the complexities inherent in the post-Sackett legal world, providing crucial insights for legal professionals…
As we turn the calendar to the week of November 6, substantial tasks await the U.S. House of Representatives. Notably, the House continues to press on individual fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills, with anticipated votes for the Transport-Housing and Urban Development and the Financial Services-General Government spending bills. According to a report by Alston &…
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently issued a news release revealing its intention to penalize Trimac Transportation, Inc. (TTI), which operates as National Tank Services, for alleged violations. Referenced from an article published on JDSupra, this action follows alleged safety infringements by the tank cleaning corporation. While the nature and extent of the…
For years, the legal community has scrutinized the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA)’s arbitration exemption clause for workers engaged in interstate transportation. The clause has generated substantial debate, with several disputes over which categories of workers are within the FAA’s exemption scope. Objections against the arbitration of IC misclassification cases sparked further discourse in the industry….
Energy and infrastructure specialist, Greg Lavigne, has recently left his position at Allen & Overy to join Sidley Austin. Now operating as a partner in the energy, transportation, and infrastructure group, Lavigne is based in New York. His decision to move to Sidley Austin occurred only a few weeks following a significant merger approval between…
Husch Blackwell has recently welcomed Scott Oliver to its team. Mr. Oliver, a recognized name in the legal profession, is now a partner in the intellectual property practice group and a member of the law firm’s virtual link office, as per the official announcement on the firm’s website. With his arrival, Oliver brings a wealth…
In a recent announcement, seasoned legal professional Greg Lavigne has transitioned to Sidley, joining the firm as a partner in its energy, transportation, and infrastructure group. This news highlights a substantial coup for Sidley, securing a partner from leading law firm Allen & Overy. Lavigne comes with a highly specialized skill set and extensive experience…
The National Assembly of Panama passed Bil 1110, which indefinitely suspends the granting of exploration and exploitation permits for metallic mining throughout the country. The decision follows President Laurentino Cortizo’s October announcement to hold a referendum on a contentious mining contract with Minera Panama. Bill 1110 was approved with 63 votes in favor and two…
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated a draft Notice of Inquiry (NOI), aimed at investigating the potential effects of emerging Artificial Intelligence technologies on its mission to curb unwanted and illegal calls and texts, under the mandate of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). This is seen to be in line with the White…
Welcome to the November 2023 edition of The On-Ramp, a compelling newsletter compiled by the Autonomous and Connected Mobility team of Venable LLP. This essential update explores current legal and policy developments pertaining to emerging mobility technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, smart infrastructure, and Electrification; from Capitol Hill to the U.S. Department of Transportation and…
A group of 13 state attorneys general from various regions have recently delivered a comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Their communication expresses support for the proposed rule changes intended to bridge the informational chasm between railroad operators and first responders in instances where hazardous materials are involved. As reported recently, this development…
In the most recent update of legal happenings within the North Carolina General Assembly which took place in October 2023, the role of experienced policy and advocacy advisers has been spotlighted. Particularly, KTS Strategies has been crucial in advising a variety of entities in the region. Well-known for their comprehensive policy advice, KTS Strategies has…
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has made a significant shift in its upper echelon by appointing its first ever female general counsel. The new office holder, previously an in-house attorney for the organization, comes into a role unprecedented in the Authority’s 102-year history. Her appointment marks a profound step forward in…
Two recent developments highlight the impending enforcement of the Warehouse Indirect Source Rule – Rule 2305, implemented by California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (the “District”). Passed two years ago, the rule represents a pioneering approach to air quality management, designed to regulate freight transport’s impact on local air quality. According to a post…
Beginning January 1, 2024, a new law will be in effect in Illinois that requires covered employers to provide their covered employees with the opportunity to pay for commuter passes on a pre-tax basis. This is according to the recently legislated Transportation Benefits Program Act (the Act). Employers that will be affected by this statutory…
In a substantial change to Canadian maritime law, the Hamburg Rules have been officially eliminated from the Marine Liability Act. As announced by law firm Stikeman Elliott LLP, this change was enacted by the amendments made in the Budget Implementation Act, 2023, No. 1 (S.C. 2023, c. 26). Transport Canada has consistently recommended the implementation…