On May 11, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidance intended to streamline the review and issuance of Title V operating permits under the Clean Air Act. This guidance may effectively reduce Title V permitting timelines, particularly where
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From 2006 to 2026: How Data Breach Risk Has Changed
Twenty years ago, privacy and cybersecurity obligations were still taking shape. Today, they sit at the center of commercial risk allocation—and many businesses are still operating under contracts drafted for a very different legal and technological landscape.
In this thought
Self-Storage Facilities Face New B&O Tax Obligations in Washington
Washington’s self-storage industry is facing a major tax change. Effective April 1, 2026, income from self-service storage rentals will be subject to Washington’s business and occupation (B&O) tax under recently enacted legislation—marking a significant shift from the industry’s long-standing tax
Who May Claim a Construction Lien in Oregon?
In Oregon, there are five general categories of construction lien claimants:
Oregon Court of Appeals Confirms Removal of Receiving Water Limits Is Not Backsliding
The scope of what Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits may lawfully require continues to narrow. On April 29, 2026, in Northwest Environmental Advocates (NWEA) v. DEQ, the Oregon Court of Appeals upheld the decision of
When ICE Comes to Your Workplace
An unexpected visit from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can be disruptive and stressful. Employers who prepare in advance—and respond carefully—can protect their businesses, avoid unnecessary liability, and maintain order during a difficult situation.
ICE has raised the stakes for
Tribal Engagement Opportunities in Long-Term Transmission Planning
On April 9, 2026, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) hosted a meeting on Tribal engagement in long-term transmission planning. The purpose of the meeting was to share information about transmission planning and development in California, engage Tribal community members and
Perfect First, Assign Later: Oregon’s Rules for Transferring Construction Liens
One consequence of Oregon’s policy of strictly limiting who may claim a construction lien is that a claimant may not assign a lien before it is perfected. Until a lien is perfected by public recording, it is considered a personal
The Technology Contracting Dilemma
Some technology articles age well. Here’s one on the HIPAA Security Rule: https://www.stoelprivacyblog.com/2025/01/articles/hipaa/a-deeper-dive-into-the-proposed-modifications-to-the-hipaa-security-rule/. The proposed modifications to the HIPAA Security Rule, published in the Federal Register on January 6, 2025, are still not in final form. The final action
The Essential Role of Notice Under Oregon’s Construction Lien Law
Because construction liens can affect other interests in real property, both public notice and actual notice to certain parties with recorded interests are essential to a fair lien system. In Oregon, timely recording a claim of lien with the county