In a recent development, a US federal appeals court has ruled that Texas is permitted to keep the floating barrier in place in the Rio Grande, contradicting a previous decision by a district court which had demanded its removal just a day prior. The decision was made after an appeal by Texas Governor Greg Abbott…
A coalition of environmental groups has filed a lawsuit against the State of Utah’s Department of Natural Resources, the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, and the Division of Water Rights. The groups allege that these agencies have failed to properly manage the water levels of the Great Salt Lake, placing crucial ecosystems at…
In an intriguing development in the legal landscape of consumer finance, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has announced its decision to pursue rulemaking targeting data brokers. This announcement came on August 15, 2023, following a related request for information (RFI) earlier this year. This rulemaking initiative by the CFPB could bring about a considerable…
On August 30, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) made two significant decisions that will potentially change the labor law landscape, particularly for employers. The NLRB has now tightened the rules around employers’ ability to implement past practices during a break in bargaining or at a stalemate. The new rules tip the scale in…
As an entrepreneur embarking on your startup journey, it is paramount to understand that transforming innovation into a successful business can be an intimidating ordeal. However, an expert panel at the 2023 BIO International Convention has shown light on the intricate challenges and solutions that can guide you on your way. This esteemed panel comprised…
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and Rock Creek Stone, LLC, colloquially known as Rock Creek, have recently entered into an agreed Consent Order (or CO). The primary focus of the Consent Order is to address an alleged breach of air and water regulations as posited by the ADEM against Rock Creek. Details highlight…
Yesterday, a federal judge ruled against Texas, directing the state to remove a floating barrier in the middle of the Rio Grande that was intended to keep migrants out of the US. This barrier was part of the aptly named “Operation Lone Star”, Texas’ plan to “secure the border” against migrants. According to Governor Greg…
In the midst of the persistent opioid epidemic, several issues have surfaced that have potential implications for the corporate landscape, particularly in relation to employment. As problems persist, businesses and firms are analyzing these issues while seeking effective solutions for this complex and pressing matter. In the first of its multiple Alerts, titled “A Continuing…
Legal practitioners might find a noteworthy judgement reached by the New Jersey Federal Court, central to our evolving understanding of fair debt collections – especially in regard to licensing issues surrounding the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA). In the case of Valentine v. Mullooly, Jeffrey, Rooney & Fylnn LLP, the U.S. District Court for…
On August 29, 2023, a significant development in U.S. environmental policy unfolded as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) publicized the text for a rule that further revises the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS), which the agencies had previously established in the “January 2023 Rule.” This…
In what is expected to be a significant and possibly controversial development in environmental law, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reportedly set to release its guidance in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in the landmark Hawaiian Wildlife Fund v. Maui case. According to an article on JD Supra, Sam Hess of Inside EPA…
The recent State Attorney General (AG) report for August 31, 2023, highlights critical areas where decisions by state and federal regulators are having a significant impact across the US. Among the crucial issues touched on in the report are the rising concern over the surge of illegal disposable E-cigarettes targeting young consumers, looming threats to…
As we continue to immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of virtual currencies, digital wonders like Bitcoin, and Dogecoin, have captured the attention of adventurers and investors alike. For those venturing into this dynamic domain, it’s crucial to comprehend the taxing and complex maze of accounting that shadow these captivating assets. To provide some guidance…
In a critical development for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the globe, a recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in universities has stirred up controversy and concern. Given this significant shift in legal landscape, a pertinent webinar named ‘How Will The Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action Ruling Affect Workplace DEI Programs?’ is being…
With incidents of defamation and online harassment surging, professionals and businesses are increasingly leaning on the expertise of defamation attorneys. The growing reliance on the internet for communication, along with the pervasive use of social media in both personal and professional contexts has led to a marked rise in defamatory attacks. (Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs,…
In a special three-part series of The Consumer Finance Podcast, Troutman Pepper Partners Chris Willis, Dave Gettings, Ethan Ostroff, and Kim Phan discuss the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) plans to propose new rules under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). For legal professionals concerned about regulatory changes impacting consumer finance, this analysis provides valuable…
In a recent podcast episode on Consumer Finance Monitor, discussion concentrated on how both direct and indirect disputes involving identity theft under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) should be handled. The episode discussed specific provisions of the FCRA that detail the distinct requirements for how a creditor or other furnisher of information ought to…
A US federal judge has instructed the state of Texas to shift its controversial floating barrier from the central waters of the Rio Grande to the riverbank. The judge’s orders come as a preliminary injunction document that was granted on Wednesday by US Senior District Judge David Alan Ezra, as a result of the US…
In the ongoing FTX Chapter 11 case, the court-appointed fee examiner has put forth a recommendation that urges the presiding Delaware bankruptcy judge to provide interim endorsement for professional fees and costs surpassing $111 million. This sum corresponds to the total expenditures incurred in the second trimester of the proceedings. This substantial amount underscores the…
Recent alterations in Virginia’s construction stormwater permitting have paved the way for legal and operational revisions. Lawyers, construction companies, and significant corporation legal teams should remain cognizant of these changes, as the upshots span both legal prerequisites and hands-on impacts. The legal implications, as examined by Alex Turner, a member of the Virginia Bar and…
The Corporate Transparency Act (the “CTA”), a U.S. law enacted on January 1, 2021, is slated for implementation on January 1, 2024. This law forms an essential component of the ongoing fight against money laundering and other illegal activities. This legislation obliges all reporting entities to openly disclose certain beneficial ownership information, along with other…
As 2023 nears its midpoint, it’s clear that the legal landscape of the food and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry is in a dynamic state of evolution. Respected law-firm, Perkins Coie LLP, recently released their detailed Midyear 2023 Food and CPG Legal Trends Report that provides key insights on the sector’s unfolding legal trends and…
Recently, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Indiana-American Water Company, Inc. (IAWC) entered into a Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) to address an alleged violation of the Clean Air Act regulations. This comes in compliance with Section 112(r)(7) of the Clean Air Act, according to the Docket No. CAA-05-2023-007. The CAFO highlights…
The Biden Administration has been carving out a new trajectory for the compliance requirements of the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA). These developments are a consequence of a new Supplemental Notice submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This raises anticipation for final regulation in this…
In a recent decision that diverges from a half-century of precedent, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Board) has altered the landscape of union certification elections. The NLRB’s Cemex decision on August 25, 2023 marks a significant shift away from secret-ballot elections as the preferred method of union certification. In the Cemex decision, the…