News from January 2017
Arizona joins 24-state coalition against Clean Power Plan, urges Trump to withdraw measure
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced Dec. 15 that he has joined a 24-state coalition in opposing the Clean Power Plan put forth by President Obama. The coalition asks President-elect Donald Trump and Congressional leaders to withdraw the plan.
EPA fines Western Solutions $25,000, alleges violations of cleanup agreement
HONOLULU (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Dec. 20 that it has assessed Western Solutions Inc. a $25,000 fine for violating a chemical cleanup order issued by the agency in 2010.
Arkansas targets United Networks of America in consumer protection lawsuit
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) — Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced a consumer-protection lawsuit Dec. 20 against Louisiana-based United Networks of America Inc. (UNA).
CFPB blog post details key areas of 2017 focus for agency's fair lending department
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released a blog post Dec. 16 by Patrice Ficklin of the fair lending department that details the key areas her team will focus on in 2017.
EPA targets Syngenta Seeds, seeks $4.8 million for alleged worker protection law violations
HONOLULU (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a complaint Dec. 15 against Syngenta Seeds LLC for allegations of violating federal pesticide regulations.
California not happy with Interior Department's fracking assessment
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris and the California Coastal Commission announced a lawsuit Dec. 19 challenging the U.S. Department of the Interior's (DOI) final environmental assessment concerning fracking off the coast of California.
Maryland Judiciary announces system maintenance on January 7
On Saturday, January 7, the Maryland Judiciary will perform systems maintenance from approximately 12:00 noon to 3 p.m. During this period, the Maryland Courts website and its Case Search function, along with other systems, will not be accessible.
San Diego consumer alleges Clickspark violated TCPA
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) — A San Diego man is suing a New York business, alleging invasion of privacy and violation of telephone harassment statutes.
Public-interest firm calls $5.5 million settlement with Google over privacy settings ‘unacceptable’
According to the Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Center for Class Action Fairness’ filing last month, class counsel negotiated a settlement that provided zero dollars to class members and $5.5 million to be divided between class counsel and third-party charities.
Attorney: Trump U.S. SC pick likely more pro-employer
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – President-elect Donald Trump’s Nov. 8 victory has brought the opportunity for him to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court that will undoubtedly have a long-lasting effect.
Staffing firm not on hook for employers' possible ADA violations
DALLAS (Legal Newsline) – A case regarding the use of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for deaf job applicants found the employer, not the staffing firm, responsible for following the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
11th Circuit clarifies CAFA jurisdiction in case with Pilot, trucking company
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) – In a recent racketeering class action case between an Alabama trucking company and one of its counterparts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit clarified jurisdiction in relation to class claims.
L.A. Tan settles class action over customers' fingerprints
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) – Attorneys are calling a settlement with L.A. Tan Enterprises a-first-of-its-kind regarding the collection and storage of the fingerprints of its customers.
Company that submitted Medicare claims for the deceased claims it was targeted by CMS
WALTHAM, Mass. (Legal Newsline) – An appeal by health diagnostics company Alere to get Medicare billing privileges reinstated for a subsidiary diabetes unit, Arriva Medical, claims that the unit was targeted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to clear an administrative backlog, according to an Alere press release.