EPR – Extended Producer Responsibility
Climate & Sustainability
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that encompasses all environmental expenses linked to product packaging across its life cycle, incorporating them into the market price of the package.
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
Trade
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), enacted in 2020 to replace NAFTA, aims to bolster trade and enhance relationships among North America’s major economies.
Recycling Infrastructure & Sustainability
Climate & Sustainability
Today, the U.S. recycling industry is pivoting more towards technology, innovations, and other methods to aid in the efficiency of the recycling process. Significant developments are occurring in waste management, recycling, and sustainability along with an increased demand for sustainability from both customers and employees.
Basel III Endgame: Navigating Capital Requirements and their Economic Impacts
Financial Services
In July 2023, the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) jointly released a notice of proposed rulemaking to implement final Basel III reforms framework domestically. Industry leaders and economic experts have expressed concern that the proposal from U.S. regulators included little concrete economic analysis and impact studies, and the U.S. proposal deviates significantly from the standards agreed upon by the BCBS.
Incentivizing Hydrogen – Tax Credits for Clean Energy
Climate & Sustainability Energy & Utilities
Hydrogen’s flexibility as a fuel source across the transportation, industrial, and power generation sectors, coupled with its efficient storage capabilities, positions it as a critical component in achieving net-zero global emission goals. The production of clean hydrogen is supported by the Section 45V tax credit, which was established under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. The 45V credit aims to accelerate the deployment of clean hydrogen production.
Technology Transfer Explained: The Bayh-Dole Act and March-In Rights
Intellectual Property Manufacturing Technology
The University and Small Business Procedures Act of 1980, commonly known as the “Bayh-Dole Act,” empowers recipients of federal funding, primarily public universities and start-up businesses, to retain ownership of their inventions generated from that funding. If, however, the commercialization of the invention fails to meet certain standards, the government agency that issued the grant can invoke “march-in” rights, and mandate the patent holder issue additional licenses to allow others to practice the patented invention. Recently, consumer advocates have petitioned the government to use march-in rights as a means to lower drug prices, and the White House, Department of Commerce, and Department of Health and Human Services released a draft revision of the criteria to exercise march-in rights.
Rare Diseases / Orphan Drug Act
Health Care
With the Orphan Drug Act (ODA) entering its forty-first year in 2024, advocates and lawmakers are taking stock of the United States’ progress in treating patients with rare diseases. Today, patients with rare diseases have shorter diagnostic journeys and more viable treatments than ever before. Despite this progress, hurdles continue as the gap between conditions and treatments remains large, and the power of the ODA has decreased over time. Lawmakers and experts are searching for solutions that will align incentives, improve the supply chain, and foster an ecosystem that will provide more options for patients. In this Basic, we will give an overview of the ODA, its impact, how it has changed over time, and what changes could be made in the future.
A More Sustainable Future – Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Climate & Sustainability Infrastructure
In the post-pandemic era, airlines have experienced a significant resurgence in passenger traffic as travel restrictions eased and many resumed air travel. Accompanying this beneficial surge in air travel comes a rise in emissions, and the environmental concerns that follow them. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has emerged as an environmentally conscious choice for airlines, specifically those who are looking to lower their carbon footprint.