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After the Storm: PUC Adopts New Winter Weatherization Rules for Generators and TSPs

In the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri, the Texas Legislature passed SB 3, which among other things required the PUC to adopt certain market-related rules. A key component of the law required the commission to adopt weatherization rules no later than Dec. 1. This new rule will require both power generation companies and transmission service providers to quickly assess a company’s ability to comply with the new rule or navigate the potentially treacherous waters of a good cause exception for noncompliance. But it also means GCs at Texas energy companies have some decisions to make.

Virtual Presentations: Please Stand Up

There are lots of helpful suggestions out there to improve virtual presentations, such as how to achieve better lighting or how to make the surrounding room less distracting. One thing in particular has made a huge difference in the professionalism of my Zoom hearings and client meetings: Try standing up.

CCS Initiative Uses Carbon Accounting and Verification Standards to Boost Low-Carbon Energy Investments

Northern Lights, TotalEnergies, Oxy Low Carbon Ventures, South Pole, Perspectives and Carbon Finance Labs launched a new carbon market initiative this summer to scale-up carbon capture and storage solutions. This article discusses the initiative’s purpose, and related developments that underscore a rapidly developing demand for low-carbon products.

When Textualism Divides the Texas Court

In 2015, Elena Kagan famously announced: “We’re all textualists now.” By any reasonable measure, the Texas Supreme Court is often vehemently so. But when it comes to the “plain meaning” of statutory text, even textualists sometimes find different interpretations of the same simple words. Brandon Duke examines one recent SCOTX case — decided by plurality — that reveals the complexity that can dwell behind even the simplest words.

SCOTX Clarifies Scope of General Contractor’s Duty of Care to Subcontractor Employees

The Texas Supreme Court recently reaffirmed that the typical aspects of the general contractor/subcontractor relationship do not give rise to a duty of care to subcontractor employees. The JLB Builders case, however, is a timely reminder that general contractors who exercise too much control over the manner and means of its subcontractors’ work may find itself on the hook for injury claims brought by subcontractor employees. Cornelius Sweers of Porter Hedges considers the ramifications of the decision.

Preparing the Law Office for Return to Work with Design, Technology and Resilience in Mind

The overarching goal for the post-pandemic law office should be to create a place that fosters equity and consistency, is easy to use, focuses on people’s well-being and is resilient and sustainable long term for an elevated work experience, writes Gensler’s Faisal Naveed. In this article, he shares design principles that can help law firms achieve that goal and make the office a desired destination.

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