EMLF’s 41st Annual Institute & Fall Symposium
2020-10-13 10:00 - 2020-10-17 12:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Babst Calland joins the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation (EMLF) for its 41st Annual Institute & Fall Symposium, October 13,-17 2020.
Don Bluedorn
Attorney Donald Bluedorn will co-present “Ethics: Implicit Bias in the Law Firm Setting.” Implicit Bias refers to when we have attitudes toward people or associate stereotypes without our conscious knowledge based on factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and age. This presentation will address how discrimination is viewed in the model ethical rules, the ABA efforts to emphasize discrimination as professional misconduct, the recent Bostock decision extending employment protections to LGBTQ persons, and answer questions such as how does implicit/unknown bias affect hiring and other personnel decisions? How do implicit biases become subjective factors that influence objective employee evaluation categories? (e.g. associates may be evaluated based on an objective standard of hours billed, but how do partner biases influence the work they are given and projects they are involved in that then generate these hours?). What are best practices for addressing implicit bias in yourself and in the workplace?
Attorneys Ben Clapp, Julie Domike and Kevin Garber will co-present “Implications of Growing Climate Change Momentum for the Energy Industry.” Increased public concern about addressing climate change has resulted in a building momentum of political and public pressure to transition to a low-carbon economy. This pressure has spurred novel litigation theories, far-reaching legislative proposals, shareholder activism, corporate climate change policies and other business responses. This program will address:

Some of the sources of this this pressure – lenders, investors, insurers
Key U.S. legal decisions and ongoing litigation related to climate change
Prominent federal and state legislation (including recent developments the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in the northeast states),
How corporations in the energy industry are reacting – corporate sustainability announcements and goals, SEC filings, restructuring and divestitures

Ben Clapp
Julie Domike
Kevin Garber

For more information, click here.

Human Resources in the Work From Home World
2020-10-14 11:30 - 13:00 | Zoom Webinar
Attorneys Steve Antonelli and John McCreary will lead a roundtable discussion on “Human Resources in the Work From Home World” for the Energy Leaders Network on Wednesday, October 14, 2020. Human resources experts will discuss the challenges and perks of working from home/remotely during these crazy times. For more information, click here.

2020 Annual Environmental Conference
2020-10-28 08:00 - 2020-10-29 12:30 | Webinar
Attorney Colleen Grace Donofrio will present “Surviving Investigations and Facility Inspections” during PA Chamber of Business and Industry’s 2020 Environmental Conference on Wednesday, October 28, 2020. It is critical that companies are adequately prepared for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) inspections to avoid violations and compliance-related fines. Colleen will discuss:

How to prepare for an inspection if you receive an early notice, what to do during the inspection, and how to analyze results of the inspection.
A company’s rights during an inspection with emphasis on unannounced inspections.
Best practices to swiftly take corrective action to ensure compliance.

CLE: Data Privacy – Ensuring Compliance Amidst and Evolving Regulatory Landscape
2020-10-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Webinar
Attorneys Justine Kasznica and Ashleigh Krick will present a CLE on “Data Privacy – Ensuring Compliance Amidst and Evolving Regulatory Landscape” on Thursday, October 29, 2020. The data privacy regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly, and compliance has never been more important, particularly as the business world has been forced to become more digital as a result of the pandemic. Topics will include:

Overview of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
Common elements among GDPR, PIPEDA, and CCPA; including: privacy policy notice requirements, business obligations, and consumer rights
Overview of U.S. Regulatory Landscape: proposed state legislation and thoughts on federal action
Practice pointers and best practices for compliance with existing privacy laws and preparing for the future

Pipeline Safety Regulations
2020-11-06 09:45 - 17:30 | Webinar
On Friday, November 6, 2020, Attorneys Keith Coyle, James Curry and Brianne Kurdock will be instructors for EUCI’s Pipeline Safety Regulations course. The pipeline industry is under heightened scrutiny by regulators, the media and the public. The NTSB highlighted aging pipelines as a concern in its 2019-2020 Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements. This course will dive into developing an increased awareness of the scope and content of regulations and how to best comply with those rules. For more information, click here.
Keith Coyle
James Curry
Brianne Kurdock

State Clean Transportation Initiatives: Stepping Toward Success for High EV Adoption
2020-11-10 15:00 - 16:30 | Webinar
Attorneys Julie Domike and Gina Falaschi will be co-panelists for the Environmental Law Institute’s “State Clean Transportation Initiatives: Stepping Toward Success for High EV Adoption” webinar on Tuesday, November 10, 2020.
The United States is experiencing a wave of state-led clean transportation initiatives that are gaining substantial momentum. Faced with insufficient action on the federal level to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, states are focusing their efforts on the sector that produces the largest percentage of emissions: transportation.
California has adopted low emission limits for light-duty vehicles and targeted transportation segments with new regulations, such as the Advanced Clean Trucks regulation. Other states are requiring transportation network companies to curb emissions. Several states are forming new regional initiatives, including the Transportation and Climate Initiative and the Multi-State Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Memorandum of Understanding. Still others are developing charging infrastructure initiatives, expanding the grid to promote electric vehicles, investing in electric vehicle government fleets and rebates for private customers, and more.
Join ELI, Babst Calland, and leading panelists to explore these initiatives, their potential impact, and funding sources. Expert panelists will focus on steps state and local governments can take to partner with industry to facilitate increased electric vehicle adoption. Lastly, panelists will dive into big issue topics such as the development of robust charging and grid infrastructure, and allowing direct sales to consumers.
For more information, click here.

WEBINAR: Driving Solar Development and Policy in Pennsylvania
2020-11-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
Attorney Ben Clapp will be a panelist for “Driving Solar Development and Policy in Pennsylvania” on Thursday, November 12, 2020. This webinar will be hosted by Carnegie Mellon University’s Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation as part of its “Energy, Resilience, and COVID-19 – Pivoting in 2020” Webinar Series and will continue the discussion on the future of energy policy, turning the focus to solar development. Can multiple technologies and forms of energy co-exist to meet mutual goals? How have state and federal policies helped and hurt this interconnection? With insights from the Executive Director of the PA Office of Energy, the panel will address the surge of utility scale projects, state incentives for community solar, and how secure regulations can continue facilitating growth.
Learn more and register.

COVID-19 & Workers Comp Q&A
2020-11-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Webinar
Attorneys John McCreary and David White will join the Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) for a COVID-19 & Workers Comp Q&A on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases the past few weeks, there has also been an uptick in the number of questions from employers related to workers compensation. To help construction companies navigate through these challenging times, the KCA has created an opportunity for construction employers to get their concerns answered. This virtual event features representatives from Babst Calland and McConkey Insurance & Benefits who will be fielding your questions. If interested in attending, please email the KCA.
John McCreary
David White

DUG East-Marcellus-Utica Midstream Conference - ESG Spotlight
2020-12-02 | Webinar
Attorney Jean Mosites will be a co-speaker for “ESG Spotlight: Beyond Simply Satisfying Investors’ Demands” during the DUG East-Marcellus-Utica Midstream Conference on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. One of Appalachia’s top operators has increased its net-zero goals. What is the particular strategies they are pursuing in the Marcellus and Utica region to achieve those goals and how is it letting investors and the public know. Also, what are investors demanding, and how can companies deliver?
For more information, click here.

Past, Present and Future of Environmental Enforcement: Perspectives of Former EPA Air Enforcement Attorneys
2020-12-03 17:00 - 18:00 | Webinar
Julie Domike
Attorneys Julie Domike and Clara Poffenberger will co-present “Past, Present and Future of Environmental Enforcement: Perspectives of Former EPA Air Enforcement Attorneys” to the A&WMA Baltimore-Washington Chapter on Thursday, December 3, 2020. Based on over 30 years’ individual experience with a variety of clients and air issues, these nationally recognized Clean Air Act attorneys will provide perspectives on the 50-year history of environmental enforcement as well as the continued efforts to overcome remaining challenges in addressing new and emerging problems. For more information, click here.

2020 PIOGATech Air Quality Compliance Training
2020-12-15 09:00 - 15:15 | Webinar
Attorneys Kevin Garber and Jean Mosites will co-present “Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and Post-Election Updates” during the 2020 PIOGATech Air Quality Compliance Training on Tuesday, December 15, 2020.
This Training will include the following topics:

An Overview of Air Quality Regulations Affecting Oil and Gas Industry
An Intro to ProMax for O & G Emission Estimates
An Overview of Methods for Identifying and Estimating Methane Emissions
Air Dispersion Modeling Case Studies at Compressor Stations in PA, WV and OH
A PADEP Update
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and Post-Election Updates
Air Permitting Case Studies: The Nuances of Oil & Gas Facilities
The Proposed Pennsylvania O&G CTG RACT Rule
A Compliance Management Roundtable Panel with Operators

For more information, click here.
Kevin Garber
Jean Mosites

Implicit Bias in Legal Settings – Why and How to Disrupt It
2020-12-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Webinar
On Tuesday, December 15, 2020, Attorney Don Bluedorn will co-present “Implicit Bias in Legal Settings – Why and How to Disrupt It,” to the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association for Corporate Counsel (ACC). This session will define Implicit Bias and identify ways in which it poses challenges for groups under-represented in the legal profession. The presenters will discuss the Bostock decision and how Implicit Bias affects hiring and other personnel decisions, including work assignments in a law firm or corporate law department. The panel will also answer participants’ questions and identify practical measures to interrupt Implicit Bias and work toward a more diverse and inclusive work environment.

Special Institute on Solar Power
2021-01-26 - 2021-01-28 | Webinar
As the solar industry grows, the universe of legal issues surrounding solar development grows with it. With clients diversifying and practices growing — what do lawyers need to know to be successful? On January 26-28, 2021, solar energy industry personnel and attorneys focused on solar developments, including Babst Calland’s Ben Clapp, will present on the myriad of legal, financial, and practical considerations for solar power projects during the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation’s (EMLF) “Special Institute on Solar Power.” For more information, click here.

Cybersecurity Update – Empowering In-House Counsel in Support of More Proactive Cybersecurity and Defense of Corporate Networks
2021-02-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Webinar
Concurrent with the rise in the frequency and the sophistication of cyber-attacks, organizations are increasingly adding legal leaders to teams with strategic cybersecurity oversight and responsibilities. On Wednesday, February 3, 2021, Babst Calland’s Carl Ronald will join PacketViper President Ken Wolf and CTO Donald Gray to review fundamental network-related cybersecurity concepts for the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association for Corporate Counsel (ACC).
Topics covered will include:

The Solarwinds third-party breach – key takeaways
Network cybersecurity 101 – terminology & concepts
Protecting networks – IT vs OT challenges
Common cyber threats – an overview
Vendor ecosystems and network cybersecurity risk
Balancing compliance and cybersecurity
Do it yourself vs managed security service providers
Suggested questions to ask and topics to raise, to your cybersecurity leadership team
Legal tips for in-house counsel on risk mitigation

For more information, click here.

Pipelines 101 - Basic Principles of Onshore Pipelines
2021-02-16 07:45 - 12:15 | Webinar
On Thursday, February 16, 2021, Pipeline Attorney Keith Coyle will be an instructor for EUCI’s “Pipelines 101 – Basic Principles of Onshore Pipelines.” This course will concentrate on natural gas and petroleum pipelines, cover the history of pipelines, review pertinent definitions and terminology, and explain how pipelines are designed and how they operate. This course is intended primarily for those individuals that may have a limited knowledge or experience with pipelines.
Key Takeaways include:

Major differences in the types of pipelines
Vernacular related to pipeline terms of design, construction and operation
How pipelines work
Route selection process
Right of way acquisition process
Types of pipeline equipment and facilities
Requirements for proper maintenance activities
Safety practices that need to be put in place Describe SCADA
Familiarity with the major codes and standards as well as pipeline regulatory agencies

For more information, click here.

Oil and Gas Environmental and Regulatory Institute
2021-02-16 10:00 - 2021-02-18 12:00
Attorney Lisa Bruderly will present “The State of Waters of the U.S. Classification and What This Means for Your Permit,” Attorney Kathy Condo will co-present “Regulatory Potpourri” and Attorney Kevin Garber will co-present “Produced Water: A State by State Regulatory Approach” at the Energy and Mineral Law Foundation’s (EMLF) Oil and Gas Environmental and Regulatory Institute, February 16-18, 2021.
Lisa Bruderly
Kathy Condo
Kevin Garber

2021 APA Kickoff Event
2021-02-16 17:30 - 20:30 | Bella Sera, 414 Morganza Rd., Canonsburg, PA, 15317, United States
On Tuesday, February 16, 2021, Attorney Keith Coyle will speak at the 2021 Appalachian Pipeliners Association (APA) Kickoff Event on the implications of the 2020 election on the energy industry. For more information, click here.

2021 Virtual Appalachian Land Institute
2021-02-18 08:00 - 16:15 | Webinar
On Thursday, February 18, 2021, Attorneys Nik Tysiak and Chuck Saffer will join the Michael Late Benedum Chapter of the American Association of Professional Landmen for its 2021 Virtual Appalachian Land Institute (ALI). Nik will present “Practical Usage of the Ohio Dormant Mineral Act and Marketable Title Act” and Chuck will serve on the 2021 ALI Committee. For more information, click here.
Nik Tysiak
Chuck Saffer

Energy Storage Technology and Regulatory Implications for Renewable Energy Power Supply
2021-03-19 15:00 - 16:30 | Webinar
On Friday, March 19, 2021, Attorney James Curry will be a co-presenter for Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation’s (RMMLF) “Energy Storage Technology and Regulatory Implications for Renewable Energy Power Supply.” This webinar will provide a primer on energy storage technology, challenges facing electric utilities in incorporating energy storage on their systems, and legal and regulatory opportunities and challenges for public utilities regulated by state commissions. Energy storage is becoming a more important part of electric utilities’ resource portfolios to serve power consumers. The increase in renewable energy in utility portfolios and abandonment of fossil fuel-fired baseload generation poses challenges for utilities to maintain reliable service for customers when wind and solar generation are not available or when intermittent generation does not match well with a utility’s peak consumption demands. Large power consumers, including oil, gas, mining, and processing companies, can be particularly vulnerable to power reliability concerns and also want, like all consumers, to manage their electric power costs. Companies also may have internal policies or objectives that support “greener” approaches to power generation. Energy storage is a key piece of how utilities will incorporate more “green” power alternatives and provide reliable electric service.
Topics to be covered in this webinar include:

Basics of electric energy storage technologies, including batteries.

Recent and expected trends in costs of and incorporation of energy storage in utility systems.

Challenges for electric utilities to incorporate storage on their system, including matching energy dispatch with peak demand as it may change minute to minute as well as how it evolves seasonally and annually.

Legal and regulatory opportunities and constraints, including increasing renewable energy and zero carbon standards, reliability requirements and measures, and safety codes.

For more information, click here.

Renewable Gas in the Energy Industry
2021-03-23 07:45 - 2021-03-24 23:30 | Webinar
On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, Attorney Jim Curry will present “U.S. RNG & Hydrogen Regulatory Frameworks: Opportunities & Challenges,” at EUCI’s Renewable Gas in the Energy Industry Conference. Topics include:

Federal regulatory frameworks for hydrogen and RNG
Areas of clarity versus regulatory uncertainties that may cause delay
Options for closing the gaps

2nd Energy and Environmental Law Conference
2021-03-24 09:50 - 2021-03-25 15:20 | Webinar
Attorney Jean Mosites will present “The Climate Change Outlook for Energy in 2021” at The Center for American and International Law’s 2nd Energy and Environmental Law Conference on Thursday, March 25, 2021. This session will cover recent developments in both federal and state climate change initiatives affecting the oil and gas industry. The session will discuss a wide range of actions, from cap-and-trade programs, to litigation, legislation and regulation. Climate change initiatives are expected to gain momentum and creativity as all sectors of the economy consider and address the local, regional and global effects of greenhouse gas emissions. The session will address legal, practical and policy considerations. For more information, click here.

The Rise of Legal Tech and Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs) – Trends, Uses and Lessons Learned
2021-04-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar
On Wednesday, April 8, 2021, Babst Calland’s Board Chairman and Management Committee Member Christian Farmakis and Attorney Dane Fennell will present “The Rise of Legal Tech and Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs) – Trends, Uses and Lessons Learned” for the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association for Corporate Counsel (ACC). Mr. Farmakis and Mr. Fennell will discuss how in-house legal departments and their law firms are rapidly increasing the deployment of “Legal Tech” and the utilization of Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs) and how these trends are impacting the practice of law, both at in-house departments and at their outside legal counsel. They will touch on which Legal Tech has already “taken hold” and which ones are still emerging. Throughout their presentation, they will share some personal experiences and “lessons learned” from utilizing certain Legal Tech and managing and leading the efforts of Solvaire, Babst Calland’s affiliated ALSP. For more information, click here.
Christian Farmakis
Dane Fennell

American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Annual Meeting
2021-04-12 09:30 - 2021-04-13 18:00 | Webinar
Attorney Keith Coyle will be a panelist for a technical session on “Midstream Policy Outlook” during the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers’ (AFPM) Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. In recent years we have experienced a myriad of legislative and regulatory midstream policies that improved pipeline safety and streamlined infrastructure permitting. During the same period, pipelines have become highly politicized. We have seen widespread efforts to stifle or stop midstream infrastructure projects through the regulatory process, legislation, and litigation. Furthermore, with a new Administration and Congress focused on transitioning to renewable energy sources the next four years are likely to remain very active. This panel will review current regulatory, legislative, and legal midstream issues and provide and near-term outlook on midstream policy issues. For more information, click here.

Spill Discovery, Reporting, and Remediation
2021-04-27 09:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, Attorney Kevin Garber will present “Legal Considerations and Liabilities” during PIOGA’s Technical Seminar Series on Spill Discovery, Reporting, and Remediation. For more information, click here.

Ask the Attorneys - A Year Later
2021-04-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom Webinar
On Thursday, April 29, 2021, Construction Attorney David White will be a co-panelist for Keystone Contractors Association’s (KCA) “Ask the Attorneys – A Year Later.” A year ago we found ourselves in a state of uncertainty: What exactly is the Coronavirus? When will the construction industry fully reopen? What are the legal ramifications from everything that is going on? There were so many questions a year ago. Fortunately, KCA members stepped up to help each other, from the safety professionals who shared best practices to the financial advisors who offered market commentary to attorneys who answered legal concerns. This webinar is a sequel to KCA’s “COVID-19 Panel Discussion – Ask the Attorneys” webinar that occurred in May 2020.

2021 PIOGA Spring Meeting
2021-05-19 08:00 - 19:00 | Rivers Casino
Attorneys Kevin Garber and Jean Mosites will co-present “Pipeline Pitfalls – Legal Challenges & Obstacles” during the 2021 PIOGA Spring Meeting on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. For more information, click here.
Kevin Garber
Jean Mosites

Pipeline Safety Regulations
2021-05-20 07:45 - 12:15 | Webinar
On Thursday, May 20, 2021, Pipeline Attorneys Keith Coyle, Jim Curry and Brianne Kurdock will be instructors for EUCI’s “Pipeline Safety Regulations.” This course will highlight changes in the law and explain how companies can address compliance challenges in the context of stricter regulator interpretations of current regulatory requirements and increased enforcement. It will dive into developing an increased awareness of the scope and content of regulations and how to best comply with those rules. Objectives include:

What is the scope of 49 CFR Parts 191 – 195?
What facilities and products are covered?
How are Federal and State jurisdictional boundaries determined?
What does compliance look like?
What enforcement tools can be used and by whom?
What sorts of civil penalties can be levied?
What are an operator’s options for responding to an enforcement action?
How do prescriptive and management-based regulations differ?
What regulatory provisions apply to which facilities?
How do reporting requirements differ for different types of pipelines?
What new regulations apply to both gas and liquid pipelines, and to UNGS facilities?

Keith Coyle
Jim Curry
Brianne Kurdock

EMLF’s 42nd Annual Institute
2021-06-20 14:00 - 2021-06-22 16:30 | Peabody Hotel, 118 S. Second Street, Memphis, TN, 38103
Babst Calland joins the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation (EMLF) for its 42nd Annual Institute, June 20-22, 2021.
Attorney Jim Curry will be a co-panelist for “Carbon Capture/Storage.” Many policymakers advocate widespread use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) to help address climate change. Investors are starting to evaluate CCS projects and several states have promulgated CCS regulations or are considering such rules. These developments are important to several segments of the energy industry—oil & gas, coal, and electricity generation. This panel will address:

When mineral interests have been severed, who has authority to authorize CCS—the surface owner or mineral owner?
How will CCS projects affect rights and duties of oil and gas lessees?
What regulations govern CCS and what is happening on the regulatory front?
What tax incentives exist to incentivize CCS?
What distinctions do property law, regulations, and tax law make between enhanced oil recovery projects that incidentally sequester carbon and projects for carbon disposal?

For more information, click here.

Pipeline Permitting and Safety Seminar
2021-07-14 10:00 - 2021-07-15 14:00 | Zoom Webinar
Pipeline Attorneys Keith Coyle and Brianne Kurdock will present “The Megarule, Gas Storage and Other Recent Developments” during the Marcellus Shale Coalition’s Pipeline Permitting and Safety Seminar on Thursday, July 15, 2021.
Keith will also be the moderator for the “PHMSA and PUC Discussion” session.
For more information, click here.
Keith Coyle
Brianne Kurdock

2021 PIOGATech Water & Waste Management Training
2021-08-18 09:00 - 15:30 | The Chadwick, 10545 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA, 15090, United States
Attorney Jean Mosites will be presenting at the 2021 PIOGATech Water & Waste Management Training on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Join industry experts to learn about the latest developments for unconventional and conventional operations. For more information, click here.
