Regulatory Radar

REGULATORY RADAR - The United States announced that it would allow new offshore oil and gas drilling in nearly all coastal waters. On January 4, 2018, the five-year plan was announced, which would make 90 percent of the nation’s outer continental shelf environment open to drilling and energy projects.

REGULATORY RADAR - On February 7, 2018, the United Kingdom improved working conditions for millions of flexible employees. The proposal ensures workers know their rights and receive the benefits and protections they are entitled to, and that action is taken against employers who breach workers’ rights.

REGULATORY RADAR - On January 29, 2018, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed an Executive Order mandating that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Board of Public Utilities begin the process of reentering the state into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

REGULATORY RADAR - On February 8, 2018, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed a proposed rule regarding user fees for the administration of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

REGULATORY RADAR - California is investing $2.5 billion to boost the supply of zero-emission vehicles and charging and refueling stations in California.

REGULATORY RADAR - In March, 2018, Florida passed a school safety bill that includes the tightening of gun control regulations. The bill passed with a vote of 67-50.

REGULATORY RADAR - Washington state legislators have unanimously passed a bill that addresses sexual harassment in the workplace.

REGULATORY RADAR - On March 5, 2018, Washington became the first state to make it illegal for internet service providers to slow down and block content online.

REGULATORY RADAR - On February 26, 2018, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that discrimination based on sexual orientation is covered by Title VII’s ban on gender bias. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, and religion.

REGULATORY RADAR - On March 23, 2018, the Department of Justice proposed a rule change that would effectively ban bump stocks, a modification that makes semi-automatic guns fire automatically.

REGULATORY RADAR - The government of Canada has proposed amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations to require front-of-package labeling for products that contain threshold levels of certain nutrients the Canadian government has flagged as being of public health concern, specifically sodium, saturated fats, and sugars. The proposed amendments will also change food-labeling regulations related to nutrient content claims and high-intensity sweeteners.

REGULATORY RADAR - On March 12, 2018, Oregon signed the Drug Transparency Act into law, joining the growing number of states that have implemented laws requiring transparency of prescription drug price increases.