FAR Council Delivers Last-Minute Holiday Gift by Extending the Comment Period on Proposed Rule Imposing Mandatory Climate Disclosures for Federal Contractors
Client Alert | 1 min read | 12.23.22
On December 23, 2022, the Department of Defense (“DoD”), General Services Administration (“GSA”), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”) extended the comment period on the proposed rule, “Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate-Related Financial Risk,” from January 13, 2023 to February 13, 2023. As we summarized previously, the proposed rule would, if finalized, require thousands of federal contractors to inventory and publicly disclose their Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions, while further requiring “major” contractors to also establish and validate GHG emission-reduction targets tailored to the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The 30-day extension should be a welcome surprise to a wide range of contractors still attempting to unwrap the impact of this largely unprecedented proposal. Crowell’s team stands ready to assist in evaluating the implications and identifying issues worthy of comment.
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Client Alert | 2 min read | 01.16.25
Yesterday, less than an hour into the first day of confirmation hearings for attorney general nominee Pam Bondi, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) questioned Bondi on her commitment to defending the constitutionality of the False Claims Act (FCA) if she is confirmed. Bondi responded that she would “of course” defend the constitutionality of the FCA and that she understands the importance of whistleblowers, the FCA’s protections, and “the money it brings back to our country.” Senator Grassley’s questioning indicated he was focused on the FCA’s qui tam provisions, as it comes on the heels of U.S. ex rel. Zafirov v. Florida Medical Associates, Inc., -- F.Supp.3d --, 2024 WL 4349242 (M.D. Fla. Sept. 30, 2024), a first-of-its-kind decision from Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, who held that the FCA’s qui tam provisions improperly appoint a relator “an officer of the United States” in violation of the Appointments Clause in Article II of the Constitution, and are therefore unconstitutional. Senator Grassley appeared to be seeking assurances about Bondi’s willingness to ensure the Department of Justice continues to defend the FCA’s qui tam provisions and commit the resources necessary to do so.
Client Alert | 1 min read | 01.15.25
Congress Has Spoken: DoD Unilateral Definitizations are Appealable Government Claims
Client Alert | 3 min read | 01.15.25
Speedbump or Roadblock?: Complaint Challenges New Hart-Scott-Rodino Rules
Client Alert | 5 min read | 01.15.25
State Antitrust Enforcement: A Continued Focus on Competition During the New Administration
