The chemical industry is subject to complex and ever-evolving laws and regulations. New standards governing the production and use of chemicals are implemented every year worldwide, and existing laws and regulations are constantly changing to keep pace with new information and scientific advancements. Chemical Industry Regulatory Update provides a monthly digest of recent legislative and regulatory developments and related industry news.
ASC 2023 Sustainability Summit
This two-day summit will provide an understanding of sustainability concepts applicable to the adhesive and sealant industry, including case studies, stakeholder partnerships and perspectives, and existing challenges and opportunities among the covered presentations. The event is ideal for business, marketing and technical professionals responsible for setting strategic goals and metrics, leading or managing their company's sustainability program, downstream end users, academia and those who are seeking to learn more about sustainability's role within the adhesive and sealant industry. Click here to learn more and to register.
Data Privacy Update: Several U.S. States Enact Privacy Legislation in 2023
Steven G. Stransky, Thora Knight
In 2023, we have seen several significant developments regarding new data protection laws and regulations in the United States. For example, Iowa and Indiana have recently enacted their own comprehensive consumer privacy laws becoming the sixth and seventh states, respectively, to do so. In addition, Montana and Tennessee’s state legislatures have each passed comprehensive privacy laws, which likely will be signed into law. Below is a summary of some of the key issues related to each legal framework, and organizations that collect personal data on their employees, customers, or contractors need to continue to monitor their ever-evolving compliance obligations. Continue reading.
NLRB General Counsel Issues Enforcement Memorandum Targeting Non-Competes
John Wymer, M. Scott Young, Deborah S. Brenneman, Bret W. Vetter
On May 30, 2023, National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) General Counsel (GC) Jennifer Abruzzo issued an enforcement memorandum targeting non-compete provisions in employee contracts and separation agreements. GC Abruzzo states that non-compete provisions are overbroad, and therefore unlawful, “when the provisions could reasonably be construed by employees to deny them the ability to quit or change jobs by cutting off their access to other employment opportunities that they are qualified for based on their experience, aptitudes, and preferences as to type and location of work.” Read more.
Greener Than Thou
Thompson Hine partner, Tanya Nesbitt recently authored an article that addresses how growing litigation concerning ESG practices and environmental justice may soon impact companies. Learn more.
Environmental L.A.W.S. – A Historical Perspective of Environmental Law
In this episode, partner Andy Kolesar hosts a discussion with retired Thompson Hine partner Mike Hardy who started practicing environmental law in the early 1970s–the time when USEPA and Ohio EPA were created and when Congress started enacting the major federal environmental laws, including NEPA, CAA and CWA, shortly followed by RCRA and CERCLA. Mike discusses his early career as the regulated community began dealing with the onslaught of new laws and regulations. Listen here.
Employment Legislation Outlook
Check out the latest Employment Legislation Outlook. This monthly digest is designed to keep you apprised of upcoming major state law changes in areas including paid sick and safe leave laws, family and parental leave, recreational and medicinal marijuana use, workplace gun laws, asking candidates about salary history and unpredictable scheduling.
Looking for Adhesive & Sealant Training?
ASC’s Training Academy Certificate Program offers a convenient and cost-effective, web-based method of workforce training ideal for new or new to a role staff and professionals. A variety of flexible and affordable subscription options are available.
Chemical Industry Regulatory Update is compiled by Thompson Hine lawyers on behalf of The Adhesive and Sealant Council. It should not be construed as legal advice, and the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the ASC or its members.
For more information, contact the editor, Devin A. Barry, or any of the authors.