Steptoe LLP

As global efforts intensify to meet greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, Texas emerges as a crucial player in hydrogen development. The recent designation of the Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub by the Department of Energy (DOE) highlights Texas’s substantial role. Our White Paper, "Navigating the Regulatory Landscape for Hydrogen Transportation in Texas" prepared by Michelle Castaline, Thomas Donadio, Lorrie Marcil, and Daniel Mullen from Steptoe LLP, in partnership with the Center for Houston's Future, examines the regulatory frameworks governing hydrogen pipeline transportation at both federal and state levels. Understanding these regulatory frameworks is crucial for strategic planning. Our White Paper summarizes the existing federal and state regulatory regimes governing hydrogen transportation by pipeline. It explores potential changes to these regimes, including possible paths to regulation under existing statutory authority, and identifies potential hurdles from both governmental and private actor perspectives. Visit our website to read “Navigating the Regulatory Landscape for Hydrogen Transportation in Texas.” A full copy of the white paper is available for download here: https://lnkd.in/emd7WkkH

Yesterday, team Steptoe participated in the inaugural DC Walk for Justice 5K, which took place at Nationals Park. This event aims to raise awareness and funds for pro bono legal services organizations in Washington, DC.   Well done and many thanks to all who participated in the walk and supported this worthy cause!   Visit the following link if you would like to donate to the DC Walk for Justice: https://lnkd.in/eAudGjaQ

Join partners Chris Fredrich and Jennifer Quinn-Barabanov on Tuesday, October 29, for a webinar on The Future of Privacy Litigation and Government Enforcement. The webinar will cover the following specific topics: • Biometric data privacy claims under statutes including the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act, Washington’s My Health My Data Act, and Texas Capture Or Use Of Biometric Identifier Act • The Federal Trade Commission’s recent guidance on biometric information. • Video Privacy Protection Act claims • Claims under wiretap statutes including California’s Invasion of Privacy Act, Florida’s Security of Communications Act and Pennsylvania’s Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act Please click the following link for more information and to register: https://lnkd.in/eZyiJAdF

Partner Sandra Hanna, who leads Steptoe’s SEC Enforcement practice, will join senior officials at the SEC, including the Acting Director and Deputy Director of Enforcement, to present a full day of in-depth presentations on current enforcement priorities, including how to successfully navigate through an SEC investigation. Please use the code STEPTOE432V for complimentary registration: https://lnkd.in/guaVBx9W. CLE credit is available in many jurisdictions.  

Please join Steptoe Intellectual Property partner Christopher A. Suarez and Government Affairs and Public Policy partner Tod Cohen on November 14 for a half-day program hosted by Practising Law Institute (PLI) on “The Convergence of Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property in California and Beyond 2024.” In addition to chairing the event, Chris will present on “Patents, Copyrights, and Trade Secrets: Oh My! Surveying the Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property Landscape in California and Beyond” at 9:15 a.m. PST and “Developing AI Policy and Governance for IP” at 11:30 a.m. PST. Tod will present on “Big Data, AI, and Looking at the Future California and Global Landscape: What IP Attorneys Should Know” at 12:30 p.m. PST. The half-day seminar will be held in person in San Francisco and remotely via Zoom. To register, click here: https://lnkd.in/eeE6jDyr

The European Commission recently approved the first acquisition under the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation. The decision addresses market distortions caused by foreign subsidies and commitments to ensure fair competition within the EU. In our recent Antitrust & Competition blog post, we cover the Commission’s concerns, the investigation and findings, the significance of the decision, and similar cases in the pipeline. Visit our website to read: “European Commission Clears First Acquisition Under EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation” authored by partner Robert Klotz and legal assistant Lucia Rama: https://lnkd.in/g3hF7_uQ

We are organizing our second annual EU Chemicals and Sustainability Conference in partnership with Acumen Public Affairs, taking place in Brussels on Wednesday, November 13.   This event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and specialists from Europe and beyond to discuss the latest trends, and regulatory developments, under EU and global chemicals & sustainability regulations. Panel sessions include Industry Strategy and a Chemicals Industry Package, Risk vs. Hazard, Overarching Sectoral Challenges, and Clean and Competitive Circular Economy. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in collaborative discussions, gain fresh insights, and promote best practices within the industry. Please visit our website for more information: https://lnkd.in/gWYxdnw6

Steptoe client CSX Transportation received approval from the Surface Transportation Board to acquire and operate approximately 94 miles of rail line in Alabama currently operated by Genesee & Wyoming Inc.’s Meridian & Bigbee Railroad. Through this now-approved transaction, CSX will establish a new direct Class I-to-Class I railroad interchange with Canadian Pacific Kansas City in Alabama, connecting railroad customers in Mexico, Texas, and the Southeast US. Steptoe advised CSX as regulatory legal counsel in this transaction. The team includes partners Peter W. Denton, Molly Fox, and Joshua Runyan, senior counsel Anthony LaRocca, and associate Sally Mordi. Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/gNm3nABF

We are pleased to share that partner Philip (Phil) West was recently named an Honorary Director at Washington Performing Arts. Congratulations, Phil! https://lnkd.in/gHDsD246

We’re pleased to share that Steptoe partner Brian Heberlig was recognized among Law360’s MVPs in the White Collar category. This prestigious award honors attorneys who have distinguished themselves from their peers over the past year through high-stakes litigation, record-breaking deals, and complex global matters. Congratulations, Brian! Read Brian’s profile here: https://lnkd.in/g7jQMQ8D