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SEC Revises (and Weakens) Climate Disclosure Rules

by  Patrick Paul; Shawane Lee; John Habib On March 6, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted final climate disclosure rules sparking a range of reactions within the business and environmental communities. These changes represent a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for public companies, particularly regarding the reporting of climate-related risks and […]

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FDA and Industry Announce the End of PFAS Use in Food Packaging

In a significant move designed to enhance public health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that the sale of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in grease-proofing food packaging has ceased in the United States. (USFDA Announcement) This decision targets the major source of dietary exposure to PFAS, which are found in […]

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Experimental Air Taxi Crashes in California

by Patrick J. Paul On February 16, 2022, Joby Aviation, a California-based company developing all-electric aircraft for commercial passenger service, reported that one of its prototype experimental unmanned aerial taxis crashed in flight in South Monterey County, California. Although no injuries were reported, damage to the aircraft itself was substantial. The Joby prototype was one […]

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Phoenix City Council Approves Police Drone Purchase

by Patrick J. Paul On February 16, 2022, less than a week after nine Phoenix police officers were injured in a fatal standoff in South Phoenix, the City Council by a 6-3 vote, approved more than $500,000 in expenditures on behalf of the Phoenix Police Department to purchase drones and to develop a program to […]

Arizona Natural Resources, Environment & Water Legislation Transmitted to the Governor

by Amanda A. Reeve The Arizona’s First Regular Session of the 55th Legislature has been moving along at a pretty fast and steady pace. A total of 40 bills have already been sent to the Governor’s desk; and 32 of those have been signed into law with the remaining eight bills under consideration. These bills […]

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Environmental & Regulatory Policy Advisor

Friend or Foe Drones: FAA to Require Remote ID “Digital License Plate”

by Kelly A. Daly On December 28, 2020, the FAA released the Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft Final Rule. This long-awaited Remote ID rule, identified as the next incremental step to integrating drones into the National Airspace System, requires the broadcasting of drone information that is crucial for airspace awareness, accountability, safety and security. Drone operators […]

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Arizona Governor Doug Ducey Funds Wastewater Study to Stop Pandemic Spread

by Patrick J. Paul As the page is turned on 2020 and some hope exists with respect to a COVID-19 vaccine, Arizona finds itself with the dubious distinction of leading the nation in COVID-19 cases per 100,000.  Against this regrettable backdrop, Governor Ducey earlier today announced $500,000 in funding to support a wastewater testing pilot […]

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EPA Issues Interim PFAS Guidance

by Patrick J. Paul On December 18, 2020, EPA issued interim guidance (available here and here) designed to protect the public from exposure to emerging chemicals of concern.  More particularly, that interim guidance outlines the current state of science on techniques and treatments that can be employed to destroy and dispose of certain PFAS and PFAS-containing […]

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In California the Housing Crisis Yields to Luxury Spas

by Sean M. Sherlock A recent court of appeal opinion out of San Diego demonstrates how the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) has once again been used to impede housing development—this time to the benefit of a high-end luxury spa. For CEQA practitioners the case provides two important lessons. First, it demonstrates how a permitting […]

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Drone Delivery Systems Can Aid Coronavirus Relief

by Patrick J. Paul As COVID-19 continues its spread across the U.S. and globe and governments react with historic aid measures, social distance and stay at home orders, it seems opportunities for accelerated drone deployment to help with the COVID-19 spread in the U.S. may be missed.  Drones can reduce human involvement in the supply […]

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