National Energy Policy: EPA Establishes New Environmental Justice Office
On September 24, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the creation of the new Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights. The Office will manage the $3 billion climate and environmental justice program created by the Inflation Reduction Act. The EPA created
Agricultural Law Weekly Review—Week Ending September 23, 2022
Dairy Policy: Pennsylvania’s Over-Order Premium Continues But ‘Should be Modified’
On September 21, 2022, the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board (PMMB) entered a new 90-day over-order premium (OOP) order (OGO No. A-1014), as opposed to its customary 180-day order. The order continues Pennsylvania’s OOP at $1.00 cwt for the period October 1, 2022 through
DOJ’s Updated Corporate Crime Policies: Practical Considerations in the Environmental Context
The 2022 Monaco Memo highlights two “core principles” regarding voluntary self-disclosure. First, absent aggravating factors, DOJ will not “seek a guilty plea when a company has voluntarily self-disclosed, cooperated, and remediated misconduct.” Second, DOJ will not “require the imposition of an independent compliance monitor” if the company has implemented and tested an effective compliance program
SEC Longstanding Disclosure Related to Climate Change Remains
Complying with the SEC’s 2010 Guidance Regarding Disclosure Related to Climate Change has evolved and dramatically so.
Fish and Wildlife Service Issues Long-Awaited Eagle Rule Proposal
Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published its much-anticipated proposal, updating the regulations governing permits for incidental take of bald and golden eagles, as well as take of their nests. This proposal is the culmination of efforts to improve the effectiveness of the eagle take permitting process, particularly for wind energy projects. The rule was last updated in 2016, but it was challenged by the Energy and Wildlife Action Coalition. In 2019, that challenge was settled with a commitment from the FWS to amend the rule. In September 2021, the FWS issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, seeking comments on potential revisions to the eagle take permitting process.
2022’s New State Housing Laws
This week Governor Newsom signed a series of bills intended to accelerate housing development in California. Two bills – AB 2011 and SB 6 – seek to facilitate residential redevelopment of commercially zoned areas, though they contain stringent requirements that may put their benefits out of reach for many developers. AB 2097 largely eliminates local
CBP Affirms Jones Act (Coastwise) Compliant Vessels Are Required for Most Wind Energy Offshore Installations
On September 2, 2022, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security (“CBP”) issued a CBP ruling, HQ H32233, determining that most offshore Wind Energy installation projects, including the laying of transmission cables, generally requires the use of Jones Act (Coastwise) compliant vessels. Jones Act qualified and compliant vessels are those
Update: A New Expected Timeline for Implementation of Delaware’s PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels
We previously reported an expected timeline for promulgation of Delaware’s maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) that was generally in line with the State’s PFOA and PFOS MCL Implementation Plan. However, based on input from officials during a public meeting held on August 25, 2022, that timeline
Are there any hazards in Louisiana that are “open and obvious” in the eyes of Louisiana Courts? A must read for any business owner regarding their premises.
In trip and fall litigation, the validity of a plaintiff’s claim often turns on whether the condition allegedly causing the fall is a so-called “open and obvious” risk of harm. That is, a risk of harm that is so obvious and discoverable that a reasonable person would have avoided the hazard, and ultimately, the injury.
The Rain is Coming Again: Disaster Preparedness, Recovery, and Employee Safety During Hurricane Season
By Adam R. Young, James L. Curtis, Patrick D. Joyce, and Craig B. Simonsen
Seyfarth Synopsis: With Hurricane Ian drenching the Gulf Coast, Florida, and the Atlantic coastal states, employers are facing daunting emergencies, safety and health risks, property damage, employee disruption, and re-building.
This blog contains an updated primer