Who is Scott Pruitt?

[Source: Cosmopolitan] He’s a climate change skeptic who is currently suing the EPA. Earlier this month, President-elect Donald Trump announced his pick to head the Environmental Protection Agency, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt. As has been the case with many of Trump’s nominees, the choice has raised concerns, especially from Democrats. Here’s what you need Read More…

On-call rest periods are not allowed, California Supreme Court rules

[Source: CalChamber/HR Watchdog] California employers will need to re-examine their rest-break policies and practices. In a disappointing decision for California businesses, the California Supreme Court ruled today that on-call rest periods are not permissible. Today’s decision will require many California employers to re-examine their rest-break policies and practices. Supreme Court Ruling In Augustus, et al. Read More…

Regulators reach tentative deal to cut toxic emissions at Paramount company

[Source: Long Beach Press Telegram] One of two metal-processing facilities agreed Wednesday to sharply reduce toxic emissions or shut down parts of its operation. The South Coast Air Quality Management District and Aerocraft Heat Treating came to an agreement ahead of an administrative hearing held Wednesday to consider regulators’ request that the businesses sharply reduce Read More…

Small business owners’ optimism skyrockets following Trump victory

[Source: Bloomberg Markets] Small businesses seem to like a unified Republican government. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. elections is a giant leap for small businesses, according to a survey of their owners. The November reading of the National Federation of Independent Businesses’ small business optimism index jumped to 98.4 from 94.9 — its Read More…

California’s climate fight could be painful – especially on job and income growth

[Source: Los Angeles Times] Californians are likely to pay more for gasoline, electricity, food and new homes — and to feel their lives jolted in myriad other ways — because their state broadly expanded its war on climate change this summer. The ambitious new goals will require complex regulations on an unprecedented scale, but were approved in Sacramento Read More…

Donald Trump picks Scott Pruitt, ally of fossil fuel industry, to lead EPA

[Source: New York Times] President-elect Donald J. Trump has selected Scott Pruitt, the Oklahoma attorney general and a close ally of the fossil fuel industry, to run the Environmental Protection Agency, a transition official said, signaling Mr. Trump’s determination to dismantle President Obama’s efforts to counter climate changes. Mr. Pruitt, a Republican, has been a Read More…