By Ian Hunter | Approaching its second anniversary, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has emerged as a surprising boon for red states, driving a surge of green energy investments into traditionally conservative regions. In just two years, the Inflation Reduction Act has channeled over $50 billion into red states, revolutionizing local economies. This transformative legislation has not only reshaped the clean energy landscape but also sparked a wave of foreign direct investment (FDI), revitalizing local economies across the United States. ...

Read more

In July 2021, the European Commission introduced a package of legislative proposals aimed at combating money laundering. These proposals signalled a significant expansion of transparency obligations related to Know Your Customer processes (KYC-processes) and national transparency registers (see our article from 26 July 2021). Since, an agreement on an EU anti-money laundering package has been reached. This new EU anti-money laundering package includes a series of measures by the EU legislature to harmonise anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws across...

Read more

The EU Data Act (the "Act"), which entered into force on 11 January 2024, is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at fostering a fair and competitive digital environment in the European Union. It focuses on ensuring that data is shared more effectively, while protecting the rights of individuals and businesses. Here's an overview of what the Act entails:   Purpose and scope Application The first part of the Act is designed to regulate access to and use of data generated by connected...

Read more

Overview: Calmer markets are prevailing today, but an unease remains, and market moves continue to be sharp even if less dramatic. Still, it is in these somewhat less volatile conditions that the US dollar is doing better. It is firmer against all the G10 currencies today. The yen and sterling are the weakest, nursing 0.4%-0.5% losses, while the Norwegian krone and the Canadian dollar are faring the best, off 0.05%-0.15%. Emerging market currencies are also mostly lower, except a couple...

Read more

The Crossroads The mining industry, a cornerstone of the global economy, is at a crucial juncture. Faced with escalating environmental regulations, a growing demand for sustainable practices, and the rising cost of traditional energy sources, mining companies are finding that transitioning to renewable energy is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. This shift is not just about compliance or public image. It’s about leveraging new opportunities that renewable technologies bring. Innovations in solar, wind, and hydro energy are not only making...

Read more

We have previously reported on the government's commitment to its proposals in "Make Work Pay", with a number of measures to be included in a new Employment Bill and Equality (Race and Disability) Bill announced in the King's Speech. The government is also pressing forward with its proposals around wider workforce issues, including the need to upskill the workforce to meet future challenges with the launch of Skills England and a "blueprint for fundamental reform" to stop "spiralling economic inactivity".   Tackling economic equality;...

Read more

The federal government makes the Inflation Reduction Act’s lucrative energy tax credits even more beneficial — if your company is willing to meet the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. If you meet the requirements, you can receive a five-time base multiplier of the credit or deduction (for example, a 30% credit for energy property rather than a 6% credit). It’s a major benefit and one worth exploring if you’re interested in cashing in on even more credits. The prevailing wage and apprenticeship...

Read more