In a move widely expected following the completion of the Agency’s latest Scheduling Letter, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has issued a fresh roster of selected contractors for audit under the FY2023 Release 2. The Agency further provided a clarification of its methodology employed to choose the shortlisted contractors. For a more…
In a remarkable legal move, a federal judge permitted civil racketeering claims to proceed in the wake of a lawsuit that’s rooted in public drinking water contamination, specifically with per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) near Westminster, Massachusetts. These claims have been introduced under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. The case targets a Paper…
In a significant move towards environmental oversight, the Conservation Law Foundation (“CLF”) filed a Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief and Civil Penalties on August 14th (refer to the original detailed analysis on JD Supra ). The legal action is directly targeted against the Twin Rivers Technologies, Inc., and Twin Rivers Technologies Manufacturing Corporation, hereafter…
Engineering and construction giant Fluor Corporation finds itself in difficult legal waters as the SEC brings settled charges against the company, citing allegations of improper accounting on two of their large-scale, fixed-price construction projects. The charges were also extended to five of Fluor’s current and former officers and employees. The full story details can be…
The role of directors in today’s unprecedented macro-economic environment should be performed with an enhanced level of responsibility to secure not only their own interests but also those of the companies they oversee. A recent analysis by Conyers provides timely guidance on how directors can achieve this. As global economic pressures mount, it is crucial…
Market volatility and plunging stock prices often push companies to contemplate the route of delisting and deregistering their shares, a process colloquially referred to as ‘going dark’. As the performance of recently public firms weakens, and favorable financing options remain scarce, a trend is emerging where more companies are struggling to meet stock exchange minimum…
Over 2400 climate activist demonstrators, associated with the Extinction Rebellion, Greenpeace, or the Milieudefensie group, were arrested and detained by the police in The Hague, Netherlands on Saturday for protesting government fossil fuel subsidies on the A12 motorway near The Hague. The police reported spending over 4 hours arresting and removing people from the highway…
Last Friday, a group of approximately 150 Japanese fishermen from Fukushima Prefecture filed a lawsuit against the government and the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). The lawsuit disputes the release of treated, but still radioactive, water from the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant. Arguing that discharging the hazardous material infringes on their right to fish, the…
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) penned a major revision to the definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) within their own regulatory frameworks on August 29, 2023, according to a report by Holland & Knight LLP. This decision expands on the Clean Water Act (CWA), 33…
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…