Agricultural Labor: Circuit Court Reinstates Tyson Workers’ COVID-19 Claims Against Employer 
On October 3, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued an opinion reversing orders from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which dismissed and failed to remand back to Texas state court a complaint filed by
US EPA Launches Initiative to Streamline the Review Process for Certain Electric Vehicle and Clean Energy Chemicals
On October 5, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its intent to streamline the review process of mixed metal oxides (MMOs). MMOs are a key component in lithium-ion batteries, which are used in electric vehicles and other clean energy initiatives, including in semi-conductors, and renewable energy generation and storage, such as in solar
Washington’s COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Expires October 31, 2022 — Employers Must Continue to Follow HELSA Notice & Reporting Requirements
By Hoorya Ahmad and Patrick Joyce
Seyfarth Synopsis: Washington State’s COVID-19 emergency declaration expires October 31, 2022 but the Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA) administered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), and codified at WAC 296-62-602 to -609, will remain in place for the time being.
HELSA
Upcoming Deadline for Comments to USEPA’s Proposed Rule Designating PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA Hazardous Substances
On September 6, 2022, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) published a proposed rule to designate Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS) as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as the Superfund.
These two per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to various adverse
California Bans PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Clothing, Textiles, and Cosmetics
California joined the growing list of states to ban products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) when, on September 29th, Governor Newsom signed into law legislation prohibiting the so-called “forever chemicals” in apparel, textiles, and cosmetics. The ban goes into effect beginning in 2025, and applies to the sale, manufacture and distribution of new cosmetics
PFAS in Focus: Wastewater Utility Perspectives From Jay Hoskins, Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District
Anna and Dave continue their Missouri Water Seminar PFAS miniseries with Assistant Director of Engineering-Environmental Compliance Jay Hoskins of the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. Jay, Anna, and Dave discuss integrated planning, source control, rate setting, and risk communication in a rapidly changing regulatory environment.
NHTSA Updates Cybersecurity Best Practices for the Safety of New Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s updated guidance encourages auto industry suppliers and manufacturers to consider cybersecurity a top organizational priority.
By Arthur Foerster, Serrin Turner, Hadrian Luo, and De Vann Sago
On September 9, 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a notice of federal guidelines effective upon publication
Shale Law Weekly Review – Week of October 10, 2022
Pipelines: Pennsylvania DEP Accepting Public Comments on Transco Pipeline 
On October 5, 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) held a virtual public hearing on permit applications for earth disturbance and water obstructions for the Regional Energy Access Expansion Pipeline project by Transco. The project would go through Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Bucks, Chester, Delaware,
Selling the Sun: Sale of a House with Solar Panels is Fraught with Peril
It can be perilous to fail to address solar panels in a contract for the sale of a house.
EPA Provides Guidance Regarding Novel Antimicrobial Pesticides and Seeks Comment on Indoor Air Quality Issues
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) recently made two announcements regarding antimicrobial pesticides. First, EPA released guidance regarding residual efficacy claims for antimicrobials applied to surfaces. Second, EPA announced that it has registered the first product approved to make claims to kill viruses in the air. EPA has also sought comment on strategies