Aftermarket Defeat Devices: Enforcing & Mitigating Mobile Air Pollution
2020-04-21 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Attorney Julie Domike will be a panelist for the Environmental Law Institute’s “Aftermarket Defeat Devices: Enforcing & Mitigating Mobile Air Pollution” webinar on Tuesday, April 21, 2020.
Enforcing mobile source pollution, such as from motor vehicles, has become increasingly challenging as consumers and industry have turned to aftermarket “defeat devices” that may provide perceived benefits like enhanced fuel efficiency but exacerbate the emission of air pollutants. Mobile sources account for a significant portion of air pollution, including approximately two-thirds of carbon monoxide (CO), three-fifths of nitrous oxide (NOx), and one-fourth of volatile organic compounds (VOC). While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates these pollutants from vehicles, aftermarket defeat devices intentionally remove or alter the hardware, software, or other designs that regulate the emissions controls of a motor vehicle.
While vehicle manufacturers utilizing defeat devices grab headlines, aftermarket parts and software are less conspicuous. According to EPA, over 500,000 diesel pickup trucks since 2009 have installed aftermarket defeat devices resulting in the equivalent air quality impact of adding 9 million pickup trucks to roads. Moreover, these devices are prevalent in heavy-duty trucks, light-duty cars, agriculture equipment, forestry equipment, and construction equipment, among others.
What are the major drivers of demand for aftermarket defeat devices? How can the states curtail the demand for these devices? What policy measures is the EPA taking to mitigate aftermarket defeat devices? Join the Environmental Law Institute and expert panelists to explore these questions and policies to mitigate aftermarket defeat devices.
For more information, click here.

CLE Program: Venture Mechanics 101
2020-06-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Webinar
Attorneys Justine Kasznica and Michael Fink will present a CLE program on “Venture Mechanics 101” on Thursday, June 4, 2020.

Force Majeure and Related Provisions
2020-06-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Webinar
As we continue to move through unprecedented times, the presence, utility and implications of force majeure and related contractual provisions have come to the forefront. Attorneys Kevin Wills, Kate Cooper and Mary Binker will discuss these provisions with a focus on addressing COVID-19 implications and agreement workarounds for the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association for Corporate Counsel (ACC) on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. For more information, click here.
Kevin Wills
Kate Cooper
Mary Binker

From Idea to Invention to Intellectual Property: What Startups and Innovators Need to Know
2020-06-11 11:00 - 12:00
Attorneys Justine Kasznica and Carl Ronald will join the Scott Institute’s Jay Whitacre and Anna Siefken for an informative discussion, “From Idea to Invention to Intellectual Property: What Startups and Innovators Need to Know” on Thursday, June 11, 2020.
Understanding the Intellectual Property (IP) and Patent processes when building a startup can be uniquely challenging for inventors. As a Power Connector with the Department of Energy’s American-Made Solar Prize, the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation at Carnegie Mellon University is highlighting this important topic for start-ups, student teams, and researchers. Hear from legal experts as they share best practices from filing and managing costs to protecting IP.
For more information, click here.
Justine Kasznica
Carl Ronald

PBI's 2020 Environmental Law Forum
2020-07-13 09:00 - 2020-07-14 16:45 | Zoom Webinar
Attorney Jean Mosites will co-present “Recent Developments in Administrative Law Applied to Environmental Cases” during the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s (PBI) 2020 Environmental Law Forum, July 13-14, 2020. Attorney Kevin Garber was a member of the planning team.
Jean Mosites Presenter
Kevin Garber Planner

Pipelines Safety Regulations
2020-07-14 08:45 - 17:00
On Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in a session with EUCI on Pipelines Safety Regulations, Attorney Keith Coyle 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.
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Regulatory Relief: Federal and State Environmental Responses to the COVID-19 National Emergency
2020-07-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
Attorneys Sean McGovern, Ben Clapp and Gary Steinbauer will co-present “Regulatory Relief: Federal and State Environmental Responses to the COVID-19 National Emergency” as a webinar for the Energy and Mineral Law Foundation (EMLF) on Wednesday, July 15, 2020.
The COVID-19 national emergency has required many critical businesses to make significant changes to continue operating safely. Recognizing that these COVID-19 related modifications have made compliance with environmental regulatory and settlement-related obligations more challenging, or in some cases impossible, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and certain States have issued policies to address environmental compliance during the COVID-19 crisis. This presentation will cover key components of the EPA and select state (PA, OH, WV) policies, and will address important considerations for developing environmental compliance strategies during the ongoing pandemic.
For more information, click here.
Sean McGovern
Ben Clapp
Gary Steinbauer

SWSG Pittsburgh 2020 Strong Awards
2020-08-07 08:00 - 10:00 | Webinar
Babst Calland joins Strong Women Strong Girls Pittsburgh for its 2020 Strong Awards Breakfast on Friday, August 7, 2020. The 2020 Strong Awards will celebrate the outstanding achievements of three exceptional women and girls and a company/organization advocate in our community. For more information, click here.

2020 GITA Virtual Pipeline Forum
2020-08-25 - 2020-08-27 | Webinar
Attorney Keith Coyle will be the keynote speaker for the 2020 GITA Virtual Pipeline Forum on Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Forum topics will include:

Updates on the Gas Mega Rule, and information relating to other “in-flight” PHMSA initiatives;
An overview of recently approved changes to the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) program;
Operator presentations focused on MCAs, Geohazards, and MAOP Reconfirmation Program strategies;
An Operator Q&A Panel; and
Technology overviews, including operator case studies and highlighting what’s new in the industry.

For more information, click here.

Think About Energy Webinar
2020-08-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Webinar
Join Babst Calland attorney Joseph Reinhart at Think About Energy: A Decade of Environmental & Regulatory Progress in the Natural Gas Industry, Wednesday, August 26, 2020. The natural gas industry has afforded the Appalachian Basin with economical and environmental benefits for over a decade. As the technologies continue to evolve, the industry has been at the forefront implementing best management practices, best in class equipment, increased transparency and environmental excellence. This webinar will welcome key industry experts who have worked closely with the regulatory agencies to help craft some of the strongest and transparent regulations in the nation.

2020 PMAA Annual Conference
2020-08-31 10:00 - 2020-09-02 14:30
Attorney John McCreary will co-present “Medical Marijuana: Workplace Implications” during the 2020 PMAA Annual Conference on Monday, August 31, 2020. This presentation will review employment law, trends in cases from Pennsylvania and elsewhere, and explore the issues created by the Medical Marijuana Act. For more information, click here.

11th Law of Shale Plays Conference
2020-09-08 15:30 - 2020-09-10 15:45 | Webinar
Babst Calland joins the Institute for Energy Law and the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation (EMLF) at the 11th Law of Shale Plays Conference, September 8-10, 2020. Focused on legal issues related to the shale plays in the United States, this conference brings together clients, attorneys, professional landmen, and other professionals to learn and discuss important cases, concepts, and trends. In addition, the conference features multiple networking opportunities with other attendees.
Attorneys Paul Atencio and Steve Silverman will co-present “Special Considerations for Holding Leases by Production and Operations in a Commodities Downturn.” Maintaining oil and gas leases through commodities downturn necessarily requires a lessee to anticipate challenges on a variety of operational and transactional issues. This presentation will cover the interplay between litigation issues and common lease provisions for holding leases by production or operations and offer special consideration to production in paying quantities and temporary cessation of production.
Attorney Krista Staley will be a panelist for “Ethical Considerations in the Diversity and Inclusion Space.”
For more information, click here.
Steve Silverman
Krista Staley

Ethical Considerations in the Diversity and Inclusion Space
2020-09-08 15:30 - 2020-09-10 15:45
Attorney Krista Staley will be a panelist for “Ethical Considerations in the Diversity and Inclusion Space at the Institute for Energy Law and the Energy & Mineral Law Foundation (EMLF) at the 12th Law of Shale Plays Conference, September 8-10, 2020.
Focused on legal issues related to the shale plays in the United States, this conference brings together clients, attorneys, professional landmen, and other professionals to learn and discuss important cases, concepts, and trends. In addition, the conference features multiple networking opportunities with other attendees.

CLE Program: Renewable Energy - A Primer on the Industry and Legal Considerations
2020-09-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Webinar
Attorneys Chris Hall, Jim Curry and Ben Clapp will present a CLE program on “Renewable Energy – A Primer on the Industry and Legal Considerations” on Wednesday, September 16, 2020.

Data Privacy Update – Ensuring Compliance Amidst an Evolving Regulatory Landscape
2020-09-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom Webinar
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. On Tuesday, September 29, 2020, Babst Calland Data Privacy Attorneys Justine Kasznica and Ashleigh Krick will review domestic and international data privacy and security laws, and how such laws may affect your business and online presence for the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association for Corporate Counsel (ACC).
Topics covered 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

For more information, click here.
Justine Kasznica
Ashleigh Krick

EMLF’s 41st Annual Institute & Fall Symposium
2020-10-13 10:00 - 2020-10-17 12:00 | 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.
