Resource Library

In 2016, employers should expect to see US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fines that are as much as 80 percent higher than in the past as a result of a budget provision signed into law by President Obama that will significantly increase OSHA fines for the first time since 1990. Fines will place greater emphasis on getting OSHA compliance right. In this program, OSHA experts will address the agency’s new penalties and provide a checklist for specific compliance steps that employers can use to better insulate their companies from those penalties. Presenters will address OSHA’s increased focus on new recordkeeping and reporting responsibilities; temporary works; Voluntary Safety and Health Program management guidelines; workplace violence; and joint employer responsibility.

Discuss proxy season results and what is on the horizon for next season (including new proposals and proposals which have passed). Gain insight into and an understanding of the trends in proxy drafting. Examine new developments in proxy access. Analyze and understand ISS and Glass Lewis guidelines and trends. Receive practical guidance regarding managing shareholder engagement and shareholder activism. Review and explore other related items such as ways to increase quorum, European trends and environmental and social issues.

This is an outline for the session: Allocating Environmental Risk in Commercial and Real Estate Transactions.

This checklist highlights mistakes to avoid when faced with enforcement actions for environmental crimes.

A sample letter regarding a proposal for a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment. Includes a request to provide a survey depicting the property boundaries prior to the site visit, any extended purchase and sale agreement that stipulates any specific requirements for environmental due diligence, and any conceptual plans for site development. Then provides the estimate for work to be performed at the above-referenced facility.

An environmental management self-assessment worksheet. Includes comments and requires the date and initials when the assessment is conducted and corrected.

The United States is one of the world’s largest producers and suppliers of energy, as well as one of its hungriest consumers. As the third largest industry in the United States, energy consists of many subgroups with interests, opportunities and agendas that both align and divide. This unique debate-style panel will bring together representatives of different facets of the energy industry, including industry players, environmentalists, consumers and lawmakers, who will discuss and debate some of the major issues facing the industry in the 21st century.

Motor vehicles are substantial sources of pollutants that cause smog and contribute to climate change. Taking a cue from California, which has always been at the forefront of fuel regulations, this interactive session will review the current rules affecting mobile sources, particularly transportation fuels. Faculty will then examine the various business risks and opportunities presented by alternative fuels programs and advanced vehicle technology programs. How are low carbon fuel standards credits different from renewable identification numbers? Are fuel cell vehicles the same as electric vehicles? How can companies take advantage of these rules and programs?

Industrial catastrophes rarely occur at convenient or expected times. Corporations are faced with numerous potentially conflicting challenges, priorities and demands such as injured or dead workers; facility and equipment damage; toxic releases; governmental investigations; negative publicity; possible criminal charges; and civil litigation. Preparation cannot wait until such an event takes place—proper planning can reduce corporate exposure arising from such events. Program attendees will have a greater knowledge of the multitude of issues likely to arise from an industrial catastrophe. They will be better versed in the appropriate steps to prepare for worse case scenarios and avoid unnecessary challenges after the event.

Like the tools you keep in your house for small repairs, this panel will provide practical tips for the in-house generalist who must identifyand respond to environmental challenges and advise business leaders cogently while maximizing limited resources. The session will equip you to deal with environmental issues in three principal contexts: transactions – what situations can give rise to environmental liabilities and major environmental issues to consider in contracts, purchases and sales; litigation – causes of action for environmental matters and how to respond to notices of intent to sue, demand letters for compensation for environmental contamination and other situations; and regulation – understanding major US and international regulatory trends and non-governmental organization activity, particularly relating to product stewardship, customer and supply chain issues.