The Circular Economy, Summer 2019

Environment

“Closing the Loop”: The European Union & the Circular Economy

By Sarah E. McMillan

The European Parliament’s vote to ban single-use plastics such as straws, plates, cutlery is part of a larger, ambitious package of measures designed to move the European Union’s (EU) member nations forward on issues of sustainability and the circular economy.

Environment

Food Industry Trends Towards Sustainability and the Circular Economy and the Mixed Effect of Laws

By Pooja S. Nair and Jessica H. Kraus

Despite the increasing number of U.S. laws and regulations seeking to ban single-use plastics and other unsustainable materials to force the food and beverage industries to adapt less harmful alternatives, the U.S. food safety and consumer protection legal and regulatory framework may resist innovations necessary to move the industry closer to a circular economy.

Technology

SciTech and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

By Robert F. Brammer and Preetha Chakrabarti

This article summarizes the objectives for ABASciTechs relationship with Task Force on Climate-related Disclosure, results to-date, and plans for TCFD, as well as potential benefits to the ABA membership and possible future joint ABA-TCFD activities.

Insurance & Financial Services

Rethinking Insurance Coverage for Autonomous Vehicles

By Lorelie S. Masters, Walter J. Andrews, Paul T. Moura, and Sergio F. Oehninger

The autonomous vehicle industry is pressing forward, full speed ahead. In addition to providing convenience, safety, and cost-efficiency for passengers, these vehicles stand to completely transform the economic dynamics of the automotive industry.

Science & Engineering

ABA Section of Science & Technology Law Nominees for 2019–2020 Section Officer and Council Positions

The Nominating Committee, chaired by Julie Fleming, is pleased to announce the following slate of nominees for 2019–2020 Officer and Council positions in the Section of Science & Technology Law.