Perkins Coie

DOJ Takes Stance on Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Policies: They Do Not Violate Federal Food and Drug Laws

According to a legal opinion posted online on July 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice officially took the position that the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA)—which authorizes an “emergency use authorization” (EUA) for a vaccine—does not prohibit entities, including employers, from requiring a vaccine even if authorized for emergency use only.

FERC Steps Toward Potential Overhaul of Transmission Planning and Cost Allocation

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently signaled potential wide-reaching reforms to regional electric transmission planning, cost allocation, and generator interconnection processes.

Perkins Coie Stands Against Antisemitism

Perkins Coie LLP stands against hate, racism, xenophobia, and discrimination in any form and against any person or group. In this statement, we specifically condemn the alarming rise in attacks against Jews, and we stand in solidarity with our Jewish colleagues, clients, and friends as we denounce antisemitism in all its forms.

New Rules Regarding Repayment of Candidate Loans

Last month, a three-judge federal district court struck down as unconstitutional a provision of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (BCRA), which limited the amount of money a candidate’s authorized committee could raise after an election to repay personal loans made by the candidate with respect to that same election.

NIST Seeks Comment on Proposals to Identify and Manage Bias in Artificial Intelligence

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently published “A Proposal for Identifying and Managing Bias in Artificial Intelligence,” a special publication that is part of a series of documents and workshops focused on developing a framework for trustworthy artificial intelligence.

Washington Issues Wildfire Smoke Emergency Rule

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) filed a new emergency rule on July 16, 2021, that provides increased protection to employees who are exposed to wildfire smoke. The rule took effect immediately, though enforcement for various provisions is slightly delayed.

ESG Claims in an Era of Heightened Regulatory and Litigation Risks

From investors and shareholders to customers and employees, key stakeholders are increasingly demanding both corporate action and broad-based public disclosure of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.

Washington State Issues Emergency Heat Exposure Rules to Protect Outdoor Workers

On July 9, 2021, in the wake of an extreme heat wave that resulted in record-high temperatures, Washington became the second state in the Pacific Northwest to announce emergency rules that provide hot weather protection to outdoor workers.

AMLA 2020 Series Part 1: New and Expansive Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements

As we reported in April, the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (AMLA 2020) aims to strengthen protections against money laundering, terrorism financing, and other illegal activities through a variety of mechanisms, including new corporate reporting requirements, enhanced penalties, and new offenses for conduct that may facilitate money laundering.

Oregon OSHA Issues Emergency Heat Safety Rules

On July 8, 2021, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adopted emergency rules implementing requirements for employers to protect workers from the dangers of high and extreme heat, including providing access to shade and cool water, cool-down breaks, training, and other measures.

Upcycled Goods: How Fashion and Apparel Brands Can Promote Sustainability While Protecting Brand Value

The fashion industry is the world’s second largest polluter behind big oil, and is responsible for around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.