Sustainability considerations, i.e., ensuring animal welfare and tackling food waste, climate change, pollution, exploitation of natural resources and human rights violations, have taken a stake in the Commission’s rule book. Not only is the Commission increasingly integrating these considerations into its merger case practice[1], e.g., when assessing the market definition and the competitive
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Biden Administration Finalizes Greenhouse Gas Target Rule that is Likely to Draw Challenges
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently released a prepublication version of its final rule establishing a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions measure. The final rule establishes a method for measurement of GHG emissions associated with transportation and requires state departments of transportation (State DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) that have National Highway System (NHS) routes…
U.S.-China Relations: A Warming Trend Sparks Opportunities for Chinese Business

In recent years, the U.S.-China bilateral relationship has hit historic lows, marked by notable events like the Chinese spy balloon incident in February and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2021. However, there is reason for optimism as we have witnessed a significant shift in dynamics over the past few…
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Transitional Phase Now in Effect

The European Commission has adopted the implementing regulation establishing the rules for the CBAM during its transitional phase, spanning from October 1, 2023, to the end of December 2025. The implementing regulation delineates the reporting obligations imposed on EU importers of CBAM goods and the methodology for calculating embedded emissions in their production. This insight…
European Union Sustainability Outlook

With the European Commission driving forward “Fit for 55” – its plan for a green transition – we have selected relevant developments in EU sustainability law and policy from the past few months.…
PFAS Restriction Proposal

To curb an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway jointly proposed a restriction proposal to ban over 10,000 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) commonly designated as “forever chemicals” under Article 68 of the REACH regulation.…
U.S. Executive Branch Update – October 5, 2023

This report provides a snapshot of the U.S. Executive Branch priorities via daily schedules and the prior day’s press releases.
POTUS’ Schedule*
12:00 p.m. EDT – THE PRESIDENT receives a briefing on Ukraine from members of his national security team | Oval Office …
Key Areas of Focus in U.S.-China Relations and Their Impact on Businesses in the 118th Congress

So far in the 118th Congress, U.S.-China relations have been a major focus for Democrats and Republicans alike. House Republicans, the opposition party, tried to challenge the Biden Administration’s approach to China, which involves competing with China, cooperating when possible, and confronting them when necessary.[1]…
U.S. Executive Branch Update – October 2, 2023

This report provides a snapshot of the U.S. Executive Branch priorities via daily schedules and the prior day’s press releases.
POTUS’ Schedule*
11:15 a.m. EDT – THE PRESIDENT receives the Presidential Daily Briefing; The Vice President attends | Oval Office
2:00 p.m. EDT – THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks to celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act;…
Trade Preference Program Revival: Congress Considers GSP, But Provides No Clear Path Forward

On Wednesday, September 20, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade held a long-anticipated hearing titled “Reforming the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to Safeguard U.S. Supply Chains and Combat China.” In their separate opening statements, both Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Subcommittee Ranking Member Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) highlighted the evolving landscape of…