A bipartisan coalition of attorneys general (AGs) from 22 states is urging the federal district court in South Carolina to reject a proposed $12.5 billion settlement between 3M and a group of public water utilities, who are suing the company over alleged per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination.
Coalition of 22 State AGs Oppose 3M’s $12.5 Billion PFAS Settlement
A bipartisan coalition of attorneys general (AGs) from 22 states is urging the federal district court in South Carolina to reject a proposed $12.5 billion settlement between 3M and a group of public water utilities, who are suing the company over alleged per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination.
A Brave New World: How to Manage Safety Hazards From Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
By Adam R. Young, A. Scott Hecker, Daniel R. Birnbaum, James L. Curtis, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have become increasing factors in construction and general industry workplaces, creating not only potential safety hazards employers must address, but also opportunities
Will EPA Apply the New 401 Certification Rule Retroactively to Pending Requests?
A filing in a California federal court indicates that EPA is planning to apply its new Clean Water Act section 401 certification rule to all certification requests, including those that are currently pending and that were submitted in accordance with the 2020 Certification Rule. If EPA attempts to retroactively apply its new rule to pending certification requests, it will guarantee immediate litigation and the challengers will have a strong likelihood of success.
Maine Gov. Mills Signs Bill to Procure 3 GW of Offshore Wind by 2040
Early this afternoon, Governor Janet Mills signed into law LD 1895, legislation directing the state to procure up to 3 GW of offshore wind by 2040. The final version of the procurement bill emerged after several weeks of negotiations between the Governor, legislature, industry, fisheries interests, labor groups, and environmental advocates. Now that the
Latin America Energy Updates: May–June 2023
In May and June 2023, Latin American countries embarked on a variety of projects to advance the renewable energy movement. Whether it is new agreements to promote international cooperation for a decarbonized market or solar farm projects, Latin America is becoming a focal point for the renewable energy market.
Possible Stringent Secondary NAAQS Raise Implementation Questions
Secondary NAAQS have traditionally not been more stringent than primary ones, yet EPA’s staff and science advisors are developing recommendations that EPA promulgate such standards. Any new, more stringent secondary NAAQS would raise significant implementation questions.
Shale Law Weekly Review—Week of July 24, 2023
State Regulation: PA Commonwealth Court Rules that PA DEP Does Not Have Jurisdiction to Review “Inaction” Under the Oil and Gas Act
On July 10, 2023, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania found that, under Pennsylvania’s Oil and Gas Act, the inaction of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) does not count as an
NIMBYism in Newport Beach: Court Upholds Addendum for Apartment Complex Challenged by NIMBY Neighboring Commercial Property Owner
The Fourth District Court of Appeal, in Olen Properties Corp. v. City of Newport Beach (2023) ___Cal.App.5th___, upheld the City of Newport Beach’s approval of a 312-unit apartment complex challenged by a neighboring commercial development owner. To comply with CEQA, the City of Newport Beach prepared an addendum to an existing environmental impact report (EIR)
Texas Takes the Lead in Addressing Workplace Violence in Healthcare Facilities
Seyfarth Synopsis: Workplace violence costs employers billions of dollars per year. More importantly, these incidents can cause immense physical and psychological harms to employees. The consequences of these harms impact productivity and morale, and can lead to individuals leaving the workforce. Compared to other job sectors, professionals working in the healthcare industry experience higher rates