In my October 2023 blog post about “The Plastics Problem in Massachusetts,” I noted that environmental and some mainstream groups have been attacking traditional recycling of plastics in an effort to stop the manufacture of...more
As we wrap up our week-long celebration of Earth Day with insightful articles focusing on various aspects of plastic pollution, this final article focuses on how the courts are being asked to step into ring and referee the...more
This year’s Earth Day theme is “Planet versus Plastics.” When most people think of plastic pollution, their minds likely conjure up an image of single-use plastics—such as grocery bags, beverage container rings, or discarded...more
As we kick off Earth Day 2024, we look to this year’s Earth Day theme–“Planet versus Plastics.” Planet versus Plastics seeks to focus attention on the challenges that plastic pollution poses to the planet. In recognition of...more
The U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) proposed an amendment to the General Services Acquisition Regulation (GSAR) aimed at reducing single-use plastic packaging. Specifically, the proposed amendment allows suppliers...more
The California Department of Conservation last Friday released a proposal to stop issuing permits for well stimulation treatments, commonly known as fracking. Most fracking operations in California are carried out in oil...more
On May 1, 2023, a ban on single-use plastics went into effect for restaurants with permanent locations in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The ban was originally passed in April of 2022 by the Los Angeles County...more
On April 18, 2023, the Government of Canada announced the launch of consultations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) with respect to...more
Retailers in Cuyahoga County can now apply for Sustainable Store Grants of up to $5,000 to help eliminate plastic checkout bags from their operations. The initiative is being supported by the Cuyahoga County Departments of...more
After leading the nation in banning plastic bags, California recently enacted sweeping legislation that requires a reduction in the amount of plastic produced and used in the state. The law is the first of its kind. ...more
Companies should consider taking proactive measures to avoid being blindsided by future microplastic-related laws. California’s adoption of the Statewide Microplastics Strategy is the first attempt by a U.S. state to...more
Today is the second day of the International Summit on Plastic Pollution (https://liu.edu/plastic-pollution-summit). Yesterday, I shared a bit about what conference participants are learning about how France is...more
To Boost Recruitment, Philly to Consider Thousands in Police Bonuses- Facing low recruitment numbers, the city is in talks with budget officials and the police to offer bonuses of up to $10,000 for people who serve at...more
A group of scientists recently unveiled new data from a study that showed plastic in participants’ blood. Out of 22 study participants, 17 contained plastic in their blood; that is 77% of the test group. ...more
The Finance Act 2021 sets out a more sustainable and environmentally friendly tax system by legislating to implement a plastic packaging tax (Tax). The new Tax, which will come into force on 1 April 2022, will encourage the...more
In August, the U.S. Department of State held a public meeting on initiatives to address ocean plastic pollution that offer some key insights into how this policy area is unfolding. ...more
The Finance Bill 2021 sets out a more sustainable and environmentally friendly tax system by legislating to implement a plastic packaging tax (the "Tax"). The new Tax will encourage the use of recycled plastic within...more
Former FDA Legal Counsel Moves to Shook - Former U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Associate Chief Counsel Kristin Kaplan joins Shook, Hardy & Bacon, further expanding the firm’s regulatory capabilities. Kaplan has a...more
According to the United Nations, 127 countries have passed regulations on single-use plastic bags in an effort to incentivize consumers to use reusable bags when shopping. The scope of these regulations varies from country...more
Governor Gavin Newsom’s temporary suspension of California’s ban on single-use plastic bags at grocery stores was allowed to expire, effectively fully reinstating the ban and requiring grocery stores to charge customers at...more
March 2020 will be the month the western world changed. As March began, there was relative normalcy except in China and isolated places in east Asia. By month’s end, much of the west – indeed, the entire world – was in...more
On March 24, 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a Public Health Advisory which directs individuals over the aged 70 and those with underlying health conditions to stay at home, and requires all...more
In an effort to reduce waste and plastic pollution, Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation banning single-use carryout plastic bags in New York state. However, the initiative may prove poorly timed, given the state of...more
Throughout Connecticut’s legislative session, these updates highlight developments concerning environmental law and policy. The author prepares updates as Legislative Liaison of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Environmental...more
The “Bag Waste Reduction” law banning the distribution of plastic carryout bags took effect across New York on March 1, 2020. However, just a few days before, the State agreed to suspend its enforcement of the new rules...more