On January 29, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a federal public health emergency order requiring all persons to wear a mask over their mouth and nose when traveling into and within the United States. Persons who fail to comply with this order, which took effect February 1, 2021, will be in violation of federal law and could face criminal or civil penalties.
To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.
The automotive industry in North America is undergoing a time of unprecedented change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) effective July 1, 2020. On top of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the North American auto industry must contend with new rules of origin, labor value content (LVC) mandates, and steel and aluminum content requirements that are set forth in the new USMCA.
A recent webinar by the international business magazine Mexico Now examined how these issues are affecting the Mexican automotive industry in particular. During this webinar, valuable insights were provided by key industry figures. To read the full text of this Alert, which includes our summary of the webinar, please visit the firm website.
Like much of the transportation industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, America’s airports are experiencing significant losses in revenue. Airports Council International predicts that the U.S. airport industry will lose $23 billion as a result of COVID-19.
Title XII of Division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act addresses these significant economic disruptions by providing approximately $10 billion to U.S. airports “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency.” The funding is somewhat discretionary, with a requirement that it be used for any purpose for which airport revenues may lawfully be used, so long as the use of funds is related to the airport.
To read the full text of this article by Duane Morris attorneys Alan Kessler, Jamie Brown and Rachel Kubasek, which was originally published by Law360, please visit the firm website.
Recent comments from American Association of Railroads (AAR) CEO Ian Jefferies highlight the critical role freight rail carriers have played in shoring up America’s national supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris attorney Matthew Decker, please visit the Duane Morris Transportation, Automotive and Logistics Blog.
On April 20, Governor Tom Wolf extended Pennsylvania’s stay-at-home order until May 8, 2020.
The governor indicated he would be using a region-by-region approach that is data-driven and will include strict social-distancing measures as he considers reopening parts of Pennsylvania.
However, he announced three actions that offer some flexibility to businesses, including permitting curbside pickup of orders at state liquor stores, allowing auto sales online and opening what he said were limited construction activities statewide. More specific guidelines will be released at a later date.
To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.
On April 15, 2020, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed an Executive Order requiring Marylanders to wear face coverings under certain circumstances, including when using public transportation and when inside of foodservice and/or retail establishments. The order also requires retail establishments to post signage concerning the face covering requirement and to take other physical distancing measures. Any person who knowingly and willfully violates the order will be charged with a misdemeanor, subject to imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.
The CARES Act provides more than $100 billion in much-needed assistance to the transportation sector, one of the most distressed industries as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aid comes in the form of grants, loans and loan guarantees, with some stipulations.
To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.
