Computer Fraud And Abuse Act Increasingly Used In Workplace

Employers increasingly are turning to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act—which was initially intended to deter hackers and safeguard data on protected computers…

Securities Transaction Tax Bill Has Industry Fired Up; Other Lawmakers Voice Opposition

The securities industry is mobilizing against a bill introduced Dec. 3 that would impose a tax on securities, futures, and derivatives transactions, calling it a bad policy at the worst possible time.
The proposed 2009 Let Wall Street Pay for the Restoration of Main Street Act sponsored by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, and 25 other congressmen would impose a transactions tax of 0.25 percent on stock transactions; and 0.02 percent on futures, swaps, and credit default swaps. Options would be taxed at the rate of the underlying asset.

Patent & Trademark Office Launches Program To Speed Processing Of Green Technology Patents

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Patent and Trademark Office will expedite the patent process for green technology inventions under a pilot program announced by Obama administration officials Dec. 7. (…)

EPA Finding May Strengthen Obama’s Hand; Opponents Question Timing Of Announcement

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Dec. 7 declaration that greenhouse gases are a threat to public health not only clears the way for agency regulation of emissions; it could strengthen President Obama’s hand as he pushes for progress on an international climate agreement in Copenhagen, environmental organizations and other observers said Dec. 7. (…)

EPA Finds Greenhouse Gases Pose Danger, Setting Stage For Rules For Emissions Sources

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson announced Dec. 7 a finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health and the environment and that cars and light trucks cause or contribute to the emissions.
The decision to finalize the endangerment finding paves the way for EPA to begin regulating greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks and, subsequently, from other mobile and stationary sources under the Clean Air Act.