H.R. 6191 proposes to establish a regulatory system for “sustainable offshore aquaculture” in the United States Exclusive Economic Zone. The full text of the bill is not yet available.
Issue 21: March 16, 2020
This Week's Spotlights
Legislative Updates/Pending Federal Actions
Case Law Updates/Federal Case Law Updates
Trade Secrets Exposed in Humane Society Undercover Video, Suit Claims
Drug researcher Charles River has been sued by a company who claims its trade secrets were revealed in an undercover expose of the drug researcher by the Humane Society of the United States posted on YouTube. The company claims it hired Charles River because it specialized in protecting sensitive information and claims fraud, violation of the Federal Defend Trade Secrets Act, negligence, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and violation of state trade secret laws.
Legislative Updates
Pending Federal Actions
Legislation Introduced to Boost U.S. Aquaculture Industry
H.R. 6191 proposes to establish a regulatory system for “sustainable offshore aquaculture” in the United States Exclusive Economic Zone. The full text of the bill is not yet available.
Case Law Updates
Federal Case Law Updates
Trade Secrets Exposed in Humane Society Undercover Video, Suit Claims
Drug researcher Charles River has been sued by a company who claims its trade secrets were revealed in an undercover expose of the drug researcher by the Humane Society of the United States posted on YouTube. The company claims it hired Charles River because it specialized in protecting sensitive information and claims fraud, violation of the Federal Defend Trade Secrets Act, negligence, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and violation of state trade secret laws.
CBD Plans to Sue Over Protection of Endangered Caribbean Reptiles
The Center for Biological Diversity has announced its intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over the its failure to protect eight skinks that the agency itself found warranted protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Groups Sue to Protect Idaho Bears
Several groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, have filed suit against the Forest Service and Customs and Border Protection, alleging that government’s plans to rebuild and reopen certain roads in northern Idaho threatens the recovery of the local grizzly bear population.
State Law Updates
PCRM Challenges California’s Failure to List Processed Meat as a Carcinogen
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has filed suit against California, claiming that the state’s failure to list processed meats as one of many carcinogens violates one of the state’s consumer protection laws, Proposition 65.
Agency Updates
FWS Announces Review of Thirteen Endangered Animal Species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it is beginning a five year status review of thirteen endangered animals, including seven species of birds. The agency is accepting input on its review until May 11, 2020.
EPA Releases New Rules for Assessing Pesticide Risks to Endangered Species
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued its Revised Method for National Level Listed Species Biological Evaluations of Conventional Pesticides. Environmental groups like the Center for Biological Diversity have criticized the methods for failing to take into account common ways that endangered species are harmed by pesticides.
SeaWorld Applies to Import Dolphin from Canada
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced that SeaWorld has applied for a permit under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to import one Pacific white-sided dolphin from the Vancouver Aquarium. The agency is accepting comments on the application until April 13, 2020.
International Updates
Groups Sues in Mexico to Protect Hammerhead Sharks
The Center for Biological Diversity has filed suit seeking to require the government to add three species of hammerhead sharks to the country’s list of protected wildlife.
Academic Updates
Articles
Egg Consumption Linked to Stroke, Study Finds
A new study conducted on veterans has found that consumption of eggs is positively associated with the occurrence of strokes.
The US Edition of the Animal Law Digest is published weekly with the support of the Brooks McCormick Jr. Animal Law & Policy Program at Harvard Law School.