Over the last few years, Confederate monuments in many North Carolina towns and cities have been objects of controversy. As one who parked for eighteen years in the shadow of the towering and now-departed Confederate...more
Utilizing his authority under the Antiquities Act, President Biden recently issued a proclamation restoring protections for the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, an outstanding ocean area approximately...more
On March 22, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court denied certiorari in a case that upheld President Obama’s designation under the Antiquities Act of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument in the northern...more
As the 2020 presidential campaign made clear, President-elect Biden plans to usher in a sharp shift in policy priorities across the federal government. We anticipate significant changes in the management of federal public...more
President-elect Biden will assume office in January, 2021, with a divided nation, the global coronavirus pandemic, and a domestic energy market in a distressed state. The new administration will need to oversee the management...more
We previously discussed the suit in the EDVA brought by the City of Norfolk against the Commonwealth of Virginia to try and remove the civil war monument in downtown Norfolk. Service has been waived, and we can now expect...more
On June 20, 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court decided American Legion v. American Humanist Ass’n, holding that longstanding public memorials with historical importance that also have religious associations are entitled to a strong...more
On Tuesday, February 26, 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to enact landmark legislation that promotes conservation, recreation, historical preservation and cultural resources across the country. The Natural...more
This is the inaugural issue of WilmerHale’s 10-in-10 Hot Topics in Energy Series. Over the next 10 weeks, our attorneys will share insights on current and emerging issues affecting the US energy sector....more
Focus - Supreme Court moves closer to taking Martins Beach case - THE MERCURY NEWS - Apr 24 In the first sign that the U.S. Supreme Court might hear an appeal regarding a private property owner’s attempt to block the...more
The Trump Administration has taken the position that the President not only has the power under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to unilaterally establish national monuments, but also the unfettered authority to reduce in size or...more
Those who closely watch the current White House pay particular attention to one Twitter handle: @realDonaldTrump. President Trump is not the first US president to use Twitter to communicate to the country. But I think it’s...more
About 18 months have passed since the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published its bold attempt to modernize the disclosure requirements for mining companies that are listed on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise...more
One Shutdown Averted, Countdown Begins Again: With the government funded through December 22, House and Senate leadership are shifting their focus on how to structure a long-term spending deal that would include an increase...more
Lawsuit challenges President’s authority to shrink Bears Ears National Monument - The Salt Lake Tribune - Dec 7 A coalition of American Indian tribes, recreation interests including the outdoor clothing manufacturer...more
Environmental and Policy Focus - Water district vote deals major blow to California's delta tunnel project - Los Angeles Times - Sep 19 - By a 7-1 vote, the Westlands Water District board on Tuesday decided not...more
As expected, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke on Thursday delivered his draft report to the President regarding the fate of certain national monuments, as directed by Executive Order No. 13792. Specifically, the President...more
Environmental and Policy Focus - Interior Department identifies 'a handful' of national monuments to shrink in its report to Trump - San Diego Union-Tribune - Aug 24 - The White House is getting ready to move on...more
Under the Dome: Inside the Maine State House provides a high-level overview of recent activity at the Maine State House. Republicans Challenge Wording of Medicaid Expansion Question on Fall Ballot - Question 2 on...more
During the first six months of the new Administration, President Trump has delivered much needed relief to the coal industry. The President and Congress have been particularly effective at rolling back policies proposed at...more
Environmental and Policy Focus - California Supreme Court ruling bolsters bullet train foes - ABC News - Jul 27 - Federal law does not completely preempt application of California’s strict environmental...more
On April 26, 2017, President Trump signed Executive Order 13792, Review of Designations Under the Antiquities Act (“Order”), which requires the Secretary of the Interior (“Secretary”) to review all Presidential designations...more
By executive order, President Trump directed the Department of Interior to review national monuments designated since 1996 under the Antiquities Act of 1906. The Antiquities Act grants the President authority to designate...more