Potential for Vicarious Liability Under the Graves Amendment
H.R. 3864, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIB), passed a vote by the U.S. House of Representatives on November 5, 2021, and will soon become law upon signing by President Biden....more
While its ultimate passage remains unclear, on August 10, 2021, the United States Senate approved passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R.3684) (“the Act”). ...more
On Tuesday morning, Aug. 10, the Senate passed its bipartisan infrastructure plan, H.R. 3684, by a 69-30 margin. A group of ten senators – nicknamed the “G10” and led by Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Rob Portman (R-OH) –...more
Clean energy initiatives and legislation continue to advance with unprecedented direction, momentum and clout in the federal government. President Joe Biden and Congressional Democrats remain fiercely committed to enacting...more
Since the Democrats reclaimed control of the House of Representatives in 2018, barrels of ink have been spilled on the topic of “congressionally-directed spending”. Better known as earmarks, this funding mechanism allows...more
Surface transportation has been a topic of federal policy consideration in recent weeks. The U.S. House of Representatives floated a partisan, large transportation bill, while the U.S. Senate continues to advocate for a...more
In his Infra Insight Blog post on April 9, Frank Liu reported on the uncertain status of the long awaited federal infrastructure bill....more
Energy Infrastructure Attacks are ‘Probable’: Oil Traders Fear Supply Disruptions in the Middle East - "A dramatic escalation of geopolitical tensions will most likely result in an unplanned oil supply shortage in the...more
According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, California lawmakers pitch a break from a key environmental law to help L.A. Olympic Bid, Clippers Arena, California lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 789 last week in an...more
Minnesota lawmakers used every last minute available to them to try and complete their work prior to the deadline for the 2017 legislative session, but it was not enough time. At 12:01 a.m. early last Tuesday morning,...more
The Tennessee Legislature completed its first session of the 110th General Assembly this Wednesday. The flag flying over the Capitol, signifying the body is in session, was taken down. The General Assembly will reconvene on...more
A gas (tax) explosion was diverted this week in the House Finance Committee. If you will remember, last week House Speaker Beth Harwell announced she was working on an amendment to the transportation plan. Well, Rep. David...more
Well, our two-week break didn't last long. We're back because Gov. Haslam made a HUGE announcement last week. The governor introduced the IMPROVE Act, “Improving Manufacturing, Public Roads and Opportunities for a Vibrant...more
Under the Dome: Inside the Maine State House provides a high-level overview of recent activity at the Maine State House. UPCOMING REFERENDUM QUESTIONS – This week, we report on Maine ballot Question 5 regarding...more
Under the Dome: Inside the Maine State House provides a high-level overview of recent activity at the Maine State House. Governor Paul LePage Signs Executive Order to Pay for Bills Passed in Second Regular Session of...more
Just a few days before the beginning of the 2016 legislative session, legislative leaders received some unexpected bad news: A previously healthy $1.2 billion budget surplus projection had dropped by $300 million to $900...more
Hopes that that the Congress would pass S. 1647, the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy Act (DRIVE Act), a six-year, $478 billion transportation funding reauthorization bill before the August recess...more
Minnesota legislators resumed the 2015 session Tuesday with a full plate and six weeks remaining. Gov. Mark Dayton’s ambitious education and transportation spending proposals face serious challenges from the radically...more
Friday marked the first committee deadline and thus a flurry of activity at the Capitol to act favorably on bills in their respective policy committees. MNsure - When Governor Mark Dayton’s supplemental budget...more
The Minnesota Legislature had a short week after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This week was one of transition as committees had fewer introductory hearings and more testimony on bills that are being considered. ...more
Right out of the gate, both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature put forward transportation funding packages. It has been called the issue of the session. The need for reliable, efficient transportation touches everyone in...more
Most House and Senate committees met for the first time this week, and spent the majority of their committee sessions hearing caucus staff and experts review issues they are expected to handle during the session. Talk around...more
After their overwhelming success in the 2014 mid-term elections, Republicans are preparing to assume their new majority in the Senate, while their House colleagues have secured an expanded majority that exceeds their World...more
Environmental and Policy Focus: U.S. officials cut estimate of recoverable Monterey Shale oil by 96% - Los Angeles Times - May 23: Federal energy authorities have slashed by 96 percent the estimated amount of...more