White House readies push to slash regulations as major part of its coronavirus economic recovery plan

[Source: The Washington Post] Senior White House and Trump administration officials are planning to launch a sweeping effort in the coming days to repeal or suspend federal regulations affecting businesses, with the expected executive action seen by advisers as a way to boost an economy facing its worst shock in generations, two people familiar with Read More…

Thousands of OSHA complaints filed against companies for virus workplace safety concerns

[Source: The Washington Post] People working during the pandemic have filed thousands of complaints regarding their exposure to the novel coronavirus and a lack of safeguards at their places of employment, according to records obtained under a Freedom of Information request and reviewed by The Washington Post. The employee complaints offer a snapshot of the Read More…

As Californians stay at home, air quality improves – for now

[Source: Cal Matters] The global coronavirus pandemic has inadvertently achieved what state officials have sought to do for decades: Californians have parked their cars. Freeways and highways are clear. And the constant burn of fossil fuels has been markedly diminished. The statewide stay-at-home order has brought about drastic reductions in air pollution and planet-warming emissions, Read More…

COVID-19 impact on US renewable energy projects

[Source: BRACEWELL LLP] The COVID-19 pandemic is raising numerous concerns for renewable energy projects under development in the United States. First, will Congress address renewable energy industry concerns in the coming round of the COVID-19 legislative debate, or soon thereafter, by extending renewable energy tax credit programs or otherwise? Second, can renewable energy facilities under Read More…

Virus attacks California ballot measures

[Source: CalMatters] As the coronavirus pandemic was clobbering California — and the rest of the known world — this month, local government officials in Sacramento County enthusiastically decided to ask voters to approve a hefty sales tax increase for transportation improvements. Were members of the Sacramento Transportation Authority board smoking some of California’s newly legalized Read More…

Furloughs versus layoffs: is there a difference in California?

[Source: CalChamber] Many Californian businesses are facing difficult choices during this COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic). Confronting losses in revenue and uncertainty in the future, businesses are evaluating their options for preserving their companies while maintaining their workforce. CalChamber members are asking, “What is the difference between furloughing and laying off employees?” Read More…

COVID-19 federal paid leaves explained

[Source: CalChamber] The federal government passed a coronavirus emergency relief package on March 18 that provides protected paid leave to workers impacted by COVID-19. In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg is joined by employment law expert Benjamin Ebbink and CalChamber Executive Vice President Jennifer Barrera to discuss what Read More…

Coronavirus support available for workers, employers

[Source: CalChamber] On Thursday, March 5, California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) clarified employer and employee coverage related to the coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19. The additional support comes one day after Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as part of California’s response to the coronavirus. Covered employees who’ve been exposed to Read More…

Why coronavirus could hit small businesses the hardest

[Source: Yahoo Finance] Keeping the U.S. economy on its feet as coronavirus pervades American borders is up to consumers and how much they’re willing to go out and spend, especially at small and midsize businesses, supply chain management expert Hitendra Chaturvedi says. Chaturvedi, a professor at Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, said Read More…