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About Us:
Welcome to the S&W Environmental, Natural Resources, Oil and Gas Law Blog. This blog is a resource for the regulated community to stay current on new developments impacting the environmental, natural resources and energy sectors. It provides timely updates on a broad range of federal, state and local environmental topics — including proposed legislation and government rulemakings — that impact regulated industries throughout the southwest and the nation as a whole.
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Recent Posts
Sewage Surveillance to Assess Possible COVID-19 Spread in Tempe Wastewater
by Patrick J. Paul Researchers from Arizona State University are evaluating Tempe wastewater for traces of COVID-19, which could serve as an early warning system of the virus’s spread in communities. Although believed to be among the first cities in America … Continue reading
Tagged Arizona State University, ASU, coronavirus, COVID, Tempe, Wastewater
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COVID-19 Drone Use Cases May Hasten Regulatory Approvals
by Patrick J. Paul As the Coronavirus pandemic continues its spread across the globe, the case for drone delivery is rapidly gaining international attention and consequently may have regulatory approval fast-tracked. In China, drone delivery systems previously utilized for residential … Continue reading
Tagged coronavirus, COVID-19, drone delivery, FAA, Part 135, waiver
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Drone Deployment to Combat COVID-19
by Patrick J. Paul As the world faces an unprecedented pandemic with the rapid spread of the coronavirus, drones are being increasingly deployed to assist in the response. From delivery, to disinfectant, to photography, the use of drones in this … Continue reading
Tagged coronavirus, COVID-19, CV-19, drone delivery, drones
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DOJ Announces New Drone Policy
by Kelly A. Daly Calling it “a paradigm-shifting technology with far-reaching social impact,” on November 27, 2019, the Federal government announced the issuance of the new Department of Justice Policy on the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (the “Policy”) governing … Continue reading
Tagged Department of Justice, DOJ, drone, UAS
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FAA to Limit Restrictions on Drone Use Near Federal Facilities
by Patrick J. Paul On August 29, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that it was working with other federal agencies to reduce the impact of flight restrictions imposed on drone operators flying in close proximity to certain federal facilities. In … Continue reading
Tagged drones, FAA, Federal Aviation Administration, NOTAMs, UAS
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Drones and Forest Fires – Leave It to the Pros
by Patrick J. Paul Wildfire season is in full swing with at least 19 active fires burning across Arizona according to the Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM). There are multiple other prescribed or controlled fires also presently burning … Continue reading
Emerging Anti-Drone Technology To Be Commercialized
by Patrick J. Paul Evolving anti-drone technology designed to detect, control, and as necessary, divert unauthorized drones to a safe landing will soon be commercialized pursuant to a licensing agreement between Embry Riddle University and Drone Defense Systems LLC, a … Continue reading
Tagged anti-drone, drones, ITAR
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New Year Reality: Enhanced Drone Regulation Worldwide
Patrick J. Paul Drones were a popular gift this past holiday season. Their rapidly growing presence is outpacing the ability of aviation regulators worldwide to keep up. The mayhem that ensued following the December 20, 2018 shutdown of London’s Gatwick … Continue reading
Tagged drone, Drone Dome, Gatwick shutdown, regulation
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Can Trump EPA Administrator Pruitt Survive?
by Patrick J. Paul With midterm elections looming, the prospects of a blue wave strengthening, and a consistent shuffling of the Trump cabinet, former Oklahoma Attorney General and current EPA administrator Scott Pruitt now finds himself in the hot seat. … Continue reading
Tagged EPA, scott pruitt
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What happened to all the big changes at Trump’s EPA?
By Mitch Klein Following the presidential election, much was made of the enormous changes that the new president intended to make at the EPA, and his choice for Director, Scott Pruitt, resulted in heated opposition and a frenzied uproar from … Continue reading
