Generic - Nov 2020

On Inauguration Day, President Joe Biden wasted no time in advancing his regulatory agenda by signing a series of 17 Executive Orders. Amidst this deluge, the Biden administration revoked a crucial construction permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, leaving the $8 billion project dead in the water. In doing so, President Biden sent a very clear signal that his administration’s climate agenda aims to target the oil and gas industry like never before.

In the wake of the stunning assault on the U.S. Capitol building on January 6th, it is inevitable that emotionally-charged reactions by Congress will ensue, as after any major crisis. In particular, there is concern that legislation may move early in this new Congress to try to expand the treatment of “domestic terrorism.” A justified desire to punish those who committed an unprecedented act of violence and vandalism must not lead to a contraction of the civil liberties of peaceful protestors or their right to political dissent.