Minnesota Senate Bill 1598, entitled the Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers Act, would require the appointment of a state “meatpacking industry worker rights coordinator” in the Department of Labor and Industry. The bill would also establish that meat-processing workers have a right to refuse to work “under conditions that the worker reasonably believes would expose the worker, other workers, or the public to an unreasonable risk of illness or injury, or exposure to illness or injury.” Meat-processing employers would be prohibited from retaliating against a worker for making a good faith refusal to work, and the bill would authorize civil and whistleblower enforcement of the Act along with requiring certain safety training, record keeping, and medical resources.
This Week's Spotlights
Legislative Updates - Pending State Actions
Minnesota Considers Legislation to Protect Meat and Poultry Processing Workers
Texas Legislation Would Require Disclosure of “Human Benefit” of “Imitation” Meat
Texas Senate Bill 883 would declare a food misbranded if it is “advertised or labeled as containing or imitating meat” if “any part of its labeling is false or misleading; the food is misrepresented as harvested meat through the use of any misleading or deceptive advertising or labeling; any portion of the food’s advertising or labeling suggests or implies that the food imitates meat, beef, chicken, or pork when the food does not; the food includes a label stating ‘meat,’ ‘beef,’ ‘chicken,’ ‘pork,’ or any common variation of those terms, if the food does not contain the products listed on the label;” or “the food’s label includes a claim comparing the food’s nutritional value to that of meat without disclosing the human benefit of the food.” “Human benefit” is not defined. The bill defines “meat” as “any edible portion of a livestock carcass that does not contain lab-grown, cell cultured, insect, or plant-based food products.”
Texas Senate Bill 883 would declare a food misbranded if it is “advertised or labeled as containing or imitating meat” if “any part of its labeling is false or misleading; the food is misrepresented as harvested meat through the use of any misleading or deceptive advertising or labeling; any portion of the food’s advertising or labeling suggests or implies that the food imitates meat, beef, chicken, or pork when the food does not; the food includes a label stating ‘meat,’ ‘beef,’ ‘chicken,’ ‘pork,’ or any common variation of those terms, if the food does not contain the products listed on the label;” or “the food’s label includes a claim comparing the food’s nutritional value to that of meat without disclosing the human benefit of the food.” “Human benefit” is not defined. The bill defines “meat” as “any edible portion of a livestock carcass that does not contain lab-grown, cell cultured, insect, or plant-based food products.”
Case Law Updates - Federal Case Law Updates
Supreme Court Blocks Disclosure of Draft Biological Opinion
The United States Supreme Court has overturned the Ninth Circuit’s conclusion that the federal government was required to turn over the Draft Biological Opinion at issue under a Freedom of Information Act suit brought by the Sierra Club. The Court ruled that the document was exempt under the deliberative process privilege exemption of FOIA.
The United States Supreme Court has overturned the Ninth Circuit’s conclusion that the federal government was required to turn over the Draft Biological Opinion at issue under a Freedom of Information Act suit brought by the Sierra Club. The Court ruled that the document was exempt under the deliberative process privilege exemption of FOIA.
Agency Updates
OIG to Examine USDA’s Handling of Coronavirus Pandemic
The Office of Inspector General is reportedly reviewing the United States Department of Agriculture’s handling of inspections at meatpacking plants during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Office of Inspector General is reportedly reviewing the United States Department of Agriculture’s handling of inspections at meatpacking plants during the coronavirus pandemic.
Legislative Updates
Pending Federal Actions
Legislation Would Require AWA-Covered Entities Develop Emergency Contingency Plans
House Bill 1442, the Providing Responsible Emergency Plans for Animals at Risk of Emerging Disasters (PREPARED) Act, would require that entities licensed under the Animal Welfare Act develop and implement contingency plans to protect the animals in their care during emergencies. The full text of the legislation, previously introduced in 2019, is available here.
House Bill 1442, the Providing Responsible Emergency Plans for Animals at Risk of Emerging Disasters (PREPARED) Act, would require that entities licensed under the Animal Welfare Act develop and implement contingency plans to protect the animals in their care during emergencies. The full text of the legislation, previously introduced in 2019, is available here.
Congress Considers Grant Program to Assist Endangered Species
House Bill 1569 would establish the Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Fund and authorize $5 million per year in funding through 2027 to be awarded in grants “for the conservation of critically endangered species in foreign countries.” The full text of the legislation is available here.
House Bill 1569 would establish the Critically Endangered Animals Conservation Fund and authorize $5 million per year in funding through 2027 to be awarded in grants “for the conservation of critically endangered species in foreign countries.” The full text of the legislation is available here.
Pending State Actions
Utah Considers Regulating Euthanasia at Animal Shelters
Utah Senate Bill 237 would prohibit the use of any methods of euthanasia by animal shelters other than by injection of sodium pentobarbital or a derivative. The bill would also require animal shelters that euthanize animals to adopt a policy for euthanasia, establish a euthanasia training program to be attended by each person who conducts or assists with euthanasia biennially, and maintain a record of such trainings. Animal control officers who need to euthanize animals in emergency situations occurring outside of shelters would be required to “use the most humane method available.” These requirements also would apply to euthanasia of “wild animals” after July 1, 2022.
Utah Senate Bill 237 would prohibit the use of any methods of euthanasia by animal shelters other than by injection of sodium pentobarbital or a derivative. The bill would also require animal shelters that euthanize animals to adopt a policy for euthanasia, establish a euthanasia training program to be attended by each person who conducts or assists with euthanasia biennially, and maintain a record of such trainings. Animal control officers who need to euthanize animals in emergency situations occurring outside of shelters would be required to “use the most humane method available.” These requirements also would apply to euthanasia of “wild animals” after July 1, 2022.
Minnesota Considers Legislation to Protect Meat and Poultry Processing Workers
Minnesota Senate Bill 1598, entitled the Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers Act, would require the appointment of a state “meatpacking industry worker rights coordinator” in the Department of Labor and Industry. The bill would also establish that meat-processing workers have a right to refuse to work “under conditions that the worker reasonably believes would expose the worker, other workers, or the public to an unreasonable risk of illness or injury, or exposure to illness or injury.” Meat-processing employers would be prohibited from retaliating against a worker for making a good faith refusal to work, and the bill would authorize civil and whistleblower enforcement of the Act along with requiring certain safety training, record keeping, and medical resources.
Minnesota Senate Bill 1598, entitled the Safe Workplaces for Meat and Poultry Processing Workers Act, would require the appointment of a state “meatpacking industry worker rights coordinator” in the Department of Labor and Industry. The bill would also establish that meat-processing workers have a right to refuse to work “under conditions that the worker reasonably believes would expose the worker, other workers, or the public to an unreasonable risk of illness or injury, or exposure to illness or injury.” Meat-processing employers would be prohibited from retaliating against a worker for making a good faith refusal to work, and the bill would authorize civil and whistleblower enforcement of the Act along with requiring certain safety training, record keeping, and medical resources.
Texas Legislation Would Require Disclosure of “Human Benefit” of “Imitation” Meat
Texas Senate Bill 883 would declare a food misbranded if it is “advertised or labeled as containing or imitating meat” if “any part of its labeling is false or misleading; the food is misrepresented as harvested meat through the use of any misleading or deceptive advertising or labeling; any portion of the food’s advertising or labeling suggests or implies that the food imitates meat, beef, chicken, or pork when the food does not; the food includes a label stating ‘meat,’ ‘beef,’ ‘chicken,’ ‘pork,’ or any common variation of those terms, if the food does not contain the products listed on the label;” or “the food’s label includes a claim comparing the food’s nutritional value to that of meat without disclosing the human benefit of the food.” “Human benefit” is not defined. The bill defines “meat” as “any edible portion of a livestock carcass that does not contain lab-grown, cell cultured, insect, or plant-based food products.”
Texas Senate Bill 883 would declare a food misbranded if it is “advertised or labeled as containing or imitating meat” if “any part of its labeling is false or misleading; the food is misrepresented as harvested meat through the use of any misleading or deceptive advertising or labeling; any portion of the food’s advertising or labeling suggests or implies that the food imitates meat, beef, chicken, or pork when the food does not; the food includes a label stating ‘meat,’ ‘beef,’ ‘chicken,’ ‘pork,’ or any common variation of those terms, if the food does not contain the products listed on the label;” or “the food’s label includes a claim comparing the food’s nutritional value to that of meat without disclosing the human benefit of the food.” “Human benefit” is not defined. The bill defines “meat” as “any edible portion of a livestock carcass that does not contain lab-grown, cell cultured, insect, or plant-based food products.”
Minnesota Considers Allowing Portable Bear Hunting Stands
Minnesota House Bill 1745 would re-authorize the use of portable stands to hunt bears in the state.
Minnesota House Bill 1745 would re-authorize the use of portable stands to hunt bears in the state.
Colorado Considers Reserving 2/3 of Big Game Licenses for Residents
Colorado Senate Bill 150 would require that the state division of parks and wildlife reserve 2/3 of available big game hunting licenses for residents of the state.
Colorado Senate Bill 150 would require that the state division of parks and wildlife reserve 2/3 of available big game hunting licenses for residents of the state.
Wyoming Considers Regulating Euthanasia at Animal Shelters
Wyoming House Bill 96 would prohibit the use of any methods of euthanasia by animal control facilities for “household pets” other than by injection of sodium pentobarbital or a derivative. The bill would also require animal shelters that euthanize animals to adopt a policy for euthanasia, establish a euthanasia training program to be attended by each person who conducts or assists with euthanasia biennially, and maintain a record of such trainings. All other persons would be prohibited from euthanizing an animal by “carbon dioxide or any non-anesthetic inhalant.”
Wyoming House Bill 96 would prohibit the use of any methods of euthanasia by animal control facilities for “household pets” other than by injection of sodium pentobarbital or a derivative. The bill would also require animal shelters that euthanize animals to adopt a policy for euthanasia, establish a euthanasia training program to be attended by each person who conducts or assists with euthanasia biennially, and maintain a record of such trainings. All other persons would be prohibited from euthanizing an animal by “carbon dioxide or any non-anesthetic inhalant.”
West Virginia Considers Establishing Anti-Bestiality Law
West Virginia House Bill 2827 would create the felony offense of “sexual crimes against an animal” with penalties of 1 to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. The bill would require that anyone convicted of the crime to relinquish custody of all animals under the person’s control, obtain psychiatric or psychological counseling, and be prohibited from harboring animals or being present where animals are present for at least ten years. The bill contains exemptions for accepted veterinary procedures; “artificial insemination of an animal for reproductive purposes; [a]ccepted animal husbandry practices, including grooming, raising, breeding, or assisting with the birthing process”; generally accepted “practices related to the judging of breed conformation”; and “affection towards a pet such as petting, hugging, or kissing in a non-sexual manner.”
West Virginia House Bill 2827 would create the felony offense of “sexual crimes against an animal” with penalties of 1 to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. The bill would require that anyone convicted of the crime to relinquish custody of all animals under the person’s control, obtain psychiatric or psychological counseling, and be prohibited from harboring animals or being present where animals are present for at least ten years. The bill contains exemptions for accepted veterinary procedures; “artificial insemination of an animal for reproductive purposes; [a]ccepted animal husbandry practices, including grooming, raising, breeding, or assisting with the birthing process”; generally accepted “practices related to the judging of breed conformation”; and “affection towards a pet such as petting, hugging, or kissing in a non-sexual manner.”
Wyoming Legislation Would Allow for Reimbursement of Hunting License Fee if Animal Killed has Chronic Wasting Disease
Wyoming House Bill 227 would allow for either a 50% reimbursement of a hunting license fee or issuance of a new replacement license if a resident with a valid cow elk or doe deer hunting permit kills an animal who tests positive for chronic wasting disease.
Wyoming House Bill 227 would allow for either a 50% reimbursement of a hunting license fee or issuance of a new replacement license if a resident with a valid cow elk or doe deer hunting permit kills an animal who tests positive for chronic wasting disease.
Arkansas Considers Raising Minimum Hunting Age from Sixteen to Eighteen
Arkansas Senate Bill 458 would raise the minimum age for hunting from sixteen years to eighteen years.
Arkansas Senate Bill 458 would raise the minimum age for hunting from sixteen years to eighteen years.
Colorado Bill Would Regulate Care of Cats and Dogs in Animal Shelters and Rescues
Colorado House Bill 1160 would establish a standard of care that animal shelters and animal rescues must provide to dogs and cats. The bill would require animal shelters or rescues to dispose of dogs and cats “only by adopting the animal out, returning the animal to its owner, or transferring the animal to another animal shelter or pet animal rescue.” Two exceptions exist when either the animal exhibits “signs of illness or injury for which there is no realistic prognosis for a good quality of life” or has “exhibited behavior that is likely to result in the injury or death of another animal or human being.”
Colorado House Bill 1160 would establish a standard of care that animal shelters and animal rescues must provide to dogs and cats. The bill would require animal shelters or rescues to dispose of dogs and cats “only by adopting the animal out, returning the animal to its owner, or transferring the animal to another animal shelter or pet animal rescue.” Two exceptions exist when either the animal exhibits “signs of illness or injury for which there is no realistic prognosis for a good quality of life” or has “exhibited behavior that is likely to result in the injury or death of another animal or human being.”
New York Legislation Would Restrict Labeling of Non-Meat Food Items
New York Senate Bill 5396 would declare a food not containing meat misbranded if “the food product is labeled or branded in a false, deceptive or misleading manner that misrepresents the product as meat or meat food product . . . or as poultry.”
New York Senate Bill 5396 would declare a food not containing meat misbranded if “the food product is labeled or branded in a false, deceptive or misleading manner that misrepresents the product as meat or meat food product . . . or as poultry.”
Nevada Legislation Would Define Limits of Veterinary Practice
Nevada Assembly Bill 200 would provide for the practice veterinary telemedicine and allow for the practice of veterinary medicine without the recognition of a human client in emergency situations.
Nevada Assembly Bill 200 would provide for the practice veterinary telemedicine and allow for the practice of veterinary medicine without the recognition of a human client in emergency situations.
Utah Legislation Would Prohibit Baiting of Big Game and Restrict Hunting in Waterfoul Management Areas
Utah House Bill 295 would make it unlawful to, without authorization, “bait big game, take bake big game in a baited area, or take big game that has been lured to or is traveling from a baited area.” The bill would also establish “waterfoul management areas” in which providing hunting guide or outfitter services and constructing permanent blinds or hunting structures would be prohibited. The bill additionally directs the Wildlife Board to “make rules regulating the use of trail cameras.”
Utah House Bill 295 would make it unlawful to, without authorization, “bait big game, take bake big game in a baited area, or take big game that has been lured to or is traveling from a baited area.” The bill would also establish “waterfoul management areas” in which providing hunting guide or outfitter services and constructing permanent blinds or hunting structures would be prohibited. The bill additionally directs the Wildlife Board to “make rules regulating the use of trail cameras.”
Texas Bill Would Grant Immunity to Providers of Veterinary Care in Emergencies
Texas House Bill 2850 would provide civil immunity to any certified veterinary assistant, licensed veterinary technician, or veterinarian who “in good faith and as a volunteer provides veterinary care or treatment to an injured animal” if the treatment is in response to an “incident that is man-made or natural disaster that injures, endangers, or threatens to endanger the animal; is at the request of the owner of the animal or authorized representative . . . and within the scope of practice and supervision” otherwise required. The civil immunity would not apply to an act or omission that is “grossly negligent or intentional misconduct.” The bill also specifies certain circumstances under which it is permissible for a veterinarian to disclose information related to an animal’s care and treatment.
Texas House Bill 2850 would provide civil immunity to any certified veterinary assistant, licensed veterinary technician, or veterinarian who “in good faith and as a volunteer provides veterinary care or treatment to an injured animal” if the treatment is in response to an “incident that is man-made or natural disaster that injures, endangers, or threatens to endanger the animal; is at the request of the owner of the animal or authorized representative . . . and within the scope of practice and supervision” otherwise required. The civil immunity would not apply to an act or omission that is “grossly negligent or intentional misconduct.” The bill also specifies certain circumstances under which it is permissible for a veterinarian to disclose information related to an animal’s care and treatment.
Rhode Island Bill Would Allow Appointment of Attorney or Law Student in Criminal or Civil Cases
Rhode Island Senate Bill 534 would allow courts to appoint a pro bono attorney or professor-supervised law student “as an advocate appointed to promote the interests of justice” in any criminal or civil proceeding where the welfare or custody of an animal is at issue. The bill would grant such advocates “the right to participate in all hearings, conferences, correspondences and plea bargaining sessions in any given case” and to “present relevant information and recommendations to the court relevant to the resolution of the matter that serves the interests of justice.”
Rhode Island Senate Bill 534 would allow courts to appoint a pro bono attorney or professor-supervised law student “as an advocate appointed to promote the interests of justice” in any criminal or civil proceeding where the welfare or custody of an animal is at issue. The bill would grant such advocates “the right to participate in all hearings, conferences, correspondences and plea bargaining sessions in any given case” and to “present relevant information and recommendations to the court relevant to the resolution of the matter that serves the interests of justice.”
Rhode Island Considers Exempting Veterans from Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
Rhode Island Senate Bill 466 would prohibit any public animal shelter from charging an adoption fee for a dog or a cat to a person who has a valid driver’s license identifying them as a veteran. The bill would allow animal shelters to limit the number of dogs and cats adopted to veterans to one animal every six months per person.
Rhode Island Senate Bill 466 would prohibit any public animal shelter from charging an adoption fee for a dog or a cat to a person who has a valid driver’s license identifying them as a veteran. The bill would allow animal shelters to limit the number of dogs and cats adopted to veterans to one animal every six months per person.
Minnesota Considers Regulating Euthanasia at Animal Shelters
Minnesota House Bill 1852 would prohibit the euthanasia of any companion animal in a public or private “animal shelter, humane society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, animal control facility, or pound” by the use of “carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or other non-anesthetic gas.” A violation of this bill would be a misdemeanor.
Minnesota House Bill 1852 would prohibit the euthanasia of any companion animal in a public or private “animal shelter, humane society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, animal control facility, or pound” by the use of “carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or other non-anesthetic gas.” A violation of this bill would be a misdemeanor.
Rhode Island Bill Would Allow for Donation and Reissue of Animal Drugs
Rhode Island Senate Bill 489 would allow for the donation of medication used for animals to a licensed veterinarian or “a facility in which veterinary medicine is practiced if the licensed veterinarian or facility chooses to accept the drug.” The bill would permit such donated medications to be reissued to treat animals at a “registered nonprofit shelter, municipal pound, shelter, veterinary clinic, or animal rescue facility” or to be used by licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Donated medications could not be used to treat animals “raised to produce food for human consumption” or animals “ordinarily consumed by animals that are raised to produce food for human consumption.” Veterinarians and facilities would be granted immunity from “any civil or criminal liability or disciplinary action by a professional licensing board for any loss, injury or death that results from the donation, acceptance, distribution or dispensation for the drug” as long as all requirements of the bill are followed.
Rhode Island Senate Bill 489 would allow for the donation of medication used for animals to a licensed veterinarian or “a facility in which veterinary medicine is practiced if the licensed veterinarian or facility chooses to accept the drug.” The bill would permit such donated medications to be reissued to treat animals at a “registered nonprofit shelter, municipal pound, shelter, veterinary clinic, or animal rescue facility” or to be used by licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Donated medications could not be used to treat animals “raised to produce food for human consumption” or animals “ordinarily consumed by animals that are raised to produce food for human consumption.” Veterinarians and facilities would be granted immunity from “any civil or criminal liability or disciplinary action by a professional licensing board for any loss, injury or death that results from the donation, acceptance, distribution or dispensation for the drug” as long as all requirements of the bill are followed.
Connecticut Considers Studying Expansion of Agricultural Education Programs
Connecticut House Bill 6580 would require the University of Connecticut to study the “feasibility” of establishing food and agricultural education programs.
Connecticut House Bill 6580 would require the University of Connecticut to study the “feasibility” of establishing food and agricultural education programs.
Wyoming Bill Would Create Agriculture Authority
Wyoming Senate Bill 122 would establish the Wyoming Agriculture Authority, define the group’s duties and powers, and task it with promoting agricultural expansion in the state.
Wyoming Senate Bill 122 would establish the Wyoming Agriculture Authority, define the group’s duties and powers, and task it with promoting agricultural expansion in the state.
Texas Bill Would Expand Immunity for Animal Agricultural Operations
Texas Senate Bill 1078 would include contractors and employees under existing immunity granted to persons in charge of an animal agriculture operation or “farm animal activity” from liability for property damage, personal injury, or death. Covered activities would include the practices of “feeding, vaccinating, exercising, weaning, transporting, producing, herding, corralling, branding, or dehorning of” animals and engagement in “routine or customary activities on a farm.”
Texas Senate Bill 1078 would include contractors and employees under existing immunity granted to persons in charge of an animal agriculture operation or “farm animal activity” from liability for property damage, personal injury, or death. Covered activities would include the practices of “feeding, vaccinating, exercising, weaning, transporting, producing, herding, corralling, branding, or dehorning of” animals and engagement in “routine or customary activities on a farm.”
New York Legislation Would Criminalize Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle Resulting in Death or Serious Injury of a Companion Animal
New York Senate Bill 5445 would expand the definition of aggravated animal cruelty to include reckless operation of a motor vehicle resulting in the death or serious injury of a companion animal.
New York Senate Bill 5445 would expand the definition of aggravated animal cruelty to include reckless operation of a motor vehicle resulting in the death or serious injury of a companion animal.
Passed Municipal Actions
Austin Bans Cat Declawing for Cosmetic Purposes
Case Law Updates
Federal Case Law Updates
Slaughterhouse Agrees to Pay $100,000 in Overtime Pay Suit
A federal judge in Georgia has approved a settlement in a lawsuit brought by workers against White Oak Pastures Inc. slaughterhouse alleging they were not paid properly for overtime work under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
A federal judge in Georgia has approved a settlement in a lawsuit brought by workers against White Oak Pastures Inc. slaughterhouse alleging they were not paid properly for overtime work under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Judge Says Fish and Wildlife Service Must Speed Up Decision on Bat Protections
A D.C. federal judge has ordered the Fish and Wildlife Service to move faster on its decision as to whether the long-eared bat should be listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, saying the agency must issue a decision within 18 months of the completion of the Species Status Assessment.
A D.C. federal judge has ordered the Fish and Wildlife Service to move faster on its decision as to whether the long-eared bat should be listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, saying the agency must issue a decision within 18 months of the completion of the Species Status Assessment.
CBD Challenges FWS’ Failure to Protect Hawaiian Bird
The Center for Biological Diversity has filed suit against the United States Fish and Wildlife Service alleging that the agency has violated the Endangered Species Act by failing to establish critical habitat for the ‘i’iwi, a native bird in Hawaii.
The Center for Biological Diversity has filed suit against the United States Fish and Wildlife Service alleging that the agency has violated the Endangered Species Act by failing to establish critical habitat for the ‘i’iwi, a native bird in Hawaii.
Supreme Court Blocks Disclosure of Draft Biological Opinion
The United States Supreme Court has overturned the Ninth Circuit’s conclusion that the federal government was required to turn over the Draft Biological Opinion at issue under a Freedom of Information Act suit brought by the Sierra Club. The Court ruled that the document was exempt under the deliberative process privilege exemption of FOIA.
The United States Supreme Court has overturned the Ninth Circuit’s conclusion that the federal government was required to turn over the Draft Biological Opinion at issue under a Freedom of Information Act suit brought by the Sierra Club. The Court ruled that the document was exempt under the deliberative process privilege exemption of FOIA.
CBD Challenges Approval of Seattle Harbor Project, Citing Harm to Killer Whales
The Center for Biological Diversity has filed suit against the United State Army Corps of Engineers and the National Marine Fisheries Service alleging that the agencies failed to fully consider the harm that the expansion of the Seattle Harbor Navigation Improvement Project would cause Southern Resident killer whales.
The Center for Biological Diversity has filed suit against the United State Army Corps of Engineers and the National Marine Fisheries Service alleging that the agencies failed to fully consider the harm that the expansion of the Seattle Harbor Navigation Improvement Project would cause Southern Resident killer whales.
State Case Law Updates
Cities Challenge Pennsylvania State Law Preempting Plastic Bag Bans
Philadelphia and three other Pennsylvania municipalities have filed suit against the state of Pennsylvania challenging a state-wide law preempting any local government ban on the use of single-use plastics, such as plastic bags.
Philadelphia and three other Pennsylvania municipalities have filed suit against the state of Pennsylvania challenging a state-wide law preempting any local government ban on the use of single-use plastics, such as plastic bags.
Agency Updates
FWS Delays Implementation and Requests Comments on Reduction of Critical Habitat for Northern Spotted Owl
The Fish and Wildlife Service has announced it has delayed the effective date of its final rule excluding 3,472,064 acres of critical habitat for the northern spotted owl under the Endangered Species Act from March 16, 2021 to April 30, 2021. The agency is also opening a comment period of 30 days for interested parties to comment on any issues raised by the delay and whether further delay is necessary.
The Fish and Wildlife Service has announced it has delayed the effective date of its final rule excluding 3,472,064 acres of critical habitat for the northern spotted owl under the Endangered Species Act from March 16, 2021 to April 30, 2021. The agency is also opening a comment period of 30 days for interested parties to comment on any issues raised by the delay and whether further delay is necessary.
Offshore Seafood Processors Request Modification to NPDES Permit
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced that the Freezer Longline Coalition (FLC) has requested a modification of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit to allow for seasonal discharge within one nautical mile of critical habitat for the spectacled eider. The agency is accepting comments on the request until March 31, 2021.
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced that the Freezer Longline Coalition (FLC) has requested a modification of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit to allow for seasonal discharge within one nautical mile of critical habitat for the spectacled eider. The agency is accepting comments on the request until March 31, 2021.
FWS Seeks Input on Discussion Topics for CITES Meeting
The Fish and Wildlife Service has announced it is soliciting “recommendations for resolutions, decisions, and agenda items for discussion” at the 19th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species to be held in March of 2022.
The Fish and Wildlife Service has announced it is soliciting “recommendations for resolutions, decisions, and agenda items for discussion” at the 19th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species to be held in March of 2022.
OIG to Examine USDA’s Handling of Coronavirus Pandemic
The Office of Inspector General is reportedly reviewing the United States Department of Agriculture’s handling of inspections at meatpacking plants during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Office of Inspector General is reportedly reviewing the United States Department of Agriculture’s handling of inspections at meatpacking plants during the coronavirus pandemic.