Insights

Regulating Broker-Dealers at a (Social) Distance: FINRA Provides COVID-19 Business Continuity Planning Guidance and Regulatory Relief

In just a short period of time, the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a revolution in how we live our lives and do our jobs. These changes have extended to the regulation of the financial industry. While FINRA emphasizes that it...

As Cyberthreats Continue, PHMSA and TSA MOU Stresses Information Sharing and Coordination

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently finalized an Annex to a longstanding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding pipeline safety and security. This Annex comes just weeks after a publicized natural gas...

COVID-19 and "Electronic" Execution of English Law Documents

In light of the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, many organisations are implementing remote working policies and limiting access to offices in order to effect social distancing measures. Notwithstanding the changes to usual working practices, organisations continue to enter into binding contractual...

Contractual Performance in the Age of Coronavirus: Force Majeure, Impossibility and Other Considerations

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is causing unprecedented disruptions to business operations on a global scale. As these disruptions continue, and the economic effects mount, more industries will be significantly impacted. All companies need to assess not only their own, but...

New York's Deadline to Comply With New Data Privacy Law Fast Approaching

The Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security Act (known as the SHIELD Act), signed into law by Governor Cuomo last year, comes into full effect on March 21, 2020. The Act’s expansive reach requires businesses in New York, as...

Administrative Enforcement Reforms Continue

The current Administration has focused on reforming federal administrative agency enforcement by emphasizing transparency, due process, and fair notice. The concepts of due process and fair notice are well-established legal precepts, and they are critical to the regulated community. For...

Understand and Define Key Substantive Contract Provisions

Part two of a two-part series for Construction Executive on understanding pivotal dispute terms in construction contracts. The first part of this series – “ Define the Forum and Scope of Recovery in Contract Disputes ” – focused on provisions...

Everything's Finally Clear: Agency Transparency Under FOIA

Final Rule Imposes Expansive New Requirements for Liquid Pipelines

PHMSA recently finalized a rule that significantly revises certain aspects of liquid pipeline safety regulation under 49 CFR Part 195. Nearly nine years in the making, the final rule is intended to address PHMSA and NTSB accident investigation findings from...

PHMSA Updates its Latest Enforcement Tool: Emergency Order Final Rule

On October 1, 2019, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA or the Agency) issued three long awaited final rules . This post addresses the Agency’s final rule on Emergency Orders , a significant new tool in PHMSA’s pipeline...

PHMSA Publishes Long-Awaited Final Rules

Tomorrow’s Federal Register will include three final rules published by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) that have been years in the making: (1) Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines: Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure Reconfirmation, Expansion of Assessment Requirements...

Broad U.S. Discovery Now Available in Foreign Arbitrations

In a decision that may significantly increase access to domestic discovery in foreign arbitration proceedings, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled on September 19 that courts may order individuals and entities within the United States...

Pipelaws Team Authors Article on the Pipeline Safety Act for Law360

Pipeline partners Catherine Little, Bob Hogfoss and Annie Cook authored an article published in Law360 on the Pipeline Safety Act reauthorization legislation currently in the U.S. House and Senate. The current authorization of federal pipeline safety laws and funding of...