February 2014

U.S. businesses often use the H-1B visa classification to employ non-U.S. workers in positions requiring a college degree or the equivalent. In most cases, H-1B classification conveys work authorization for a period of up to six years. The law sets a limit of 65,000 new H-1Bs per fiscal year, with an additional 20,000 set aside for workers with a master’s degree or higher. These limits are known as the “H-1B caps.” In 2013, the H-1B cap was exceeded for both categories in the first week applications were accepted. Many employers were disappointed when their applications were rejected in the ensuing lottery conducted to select the applications that would be accepted for processing under the caps.

As you’ve likely heard, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has now officially taken the position that greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are fair game for regulation and in fact are required to be regulated under the Clean Air Act. While this development may be cheered by environmental conservation groups and climate scientists, those who will actually have to implement the technology necessary to comply with EPA’s new regulations are less thrilled. Another pitched battle is about to take place before the Supreme Court on this issue, and large manufacturers, utilities, and other owners of large sources of greenhouse gases should take note.

Adam Miller is presenting “Eat, Drink, but Be Wary: Plaintiffs’ New Attack on Chemicals in the Food Chain” today at the DRI Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Seminar. Plaintiffs allege a link between chemicals in food and various diseases. Their theories create unprecedented burdens on product manufacturers, essentially making them insurers of their products from…

John G. Stafford Jr. has joined Husch Blackwell’s Washington, D.C., office as the newest Partner of the firm’s Technology, Manufacturing & Transportation team. With his deep knowledge of federal contracting and regulatory compliance law, Stafford will assist industry clients with Government Contracts and Transportation matters and related business issues.  Visit Huschblackwell.com for more information.

On-site attorneys bring industry expertise to St. Louis’ newest research and technology address – @4240 facility

Wexford Science & Technology, creators of Knowledge Communities in eight cities across the nation, has recruited Husch Blackwell as its newest contributor to St. Louis’ CORTEX District. Moving into the @4240 facility in early summer, Husch Blackwell…

Here is the good news, more than ever manufacturers are looking at reshoring manufacturing jobs to the U.S.  A few years ago only 14% were looking at reshoring as a viable option.  That number has climbed to 21% of large manufacturers actually reshoring or preparing to do so, according to a recent article in the Financial Times.  As we recently informed you, executives are looking at onshoring due to rising wages in developing countries, shipping costs, more direct communications between design teams and manufacturing operations, and less money tied up in finished goods as they are transported to their markets.