Chapter News, New York Related News, News

Tax Break For Solar Panels In NYC Approved

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed a law to extend property tax breaks for installing electricity-generating solar panels on New York City buildings. Assembly member Linda Rosenthal, a Manhattan Democrat and sponsor, says the action extends the existing incentive program to 2017, doubles the possible tax break and helps promote a green economy. It’s also meant to offset the 25 percent higher cost of installing solar capacity in the city due to stringent regulations and the complexity of building sites. Sponsors say eligible...

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Scrutiny time: candidate commissioners’ hearings start today

Jean-Claude Juncker and the candidate commissioners The 27 candidates hoping to be part of the European Commission led by Jean-Claude Juncker start appearing at hearings at the European Parliament today. During the three-hour hearings EP committees will test the candidate commissioners' expertise and competences ahead of the EP voting on whether to approve the new Commission on 22 October. The hearings will be shown live on our website and can also be followed on various other platforms. Read on...

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Consumers: Commission improves safety of cosmetics

Today the Commission further strengthened the protection of consumers, in particular babies and young children. It adopted two measures restricting the use of three preservatives in cosmetic products. "We have shown once again that the safety of consumers is paramount in every decision we take. Preservatives in cosmetics serve a valuable function ensuring that the products we use on a daily basis are free from pathogens. We need however to ensure that the preservatives guarantee the maximum degree of protection....

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Banks may not want your cash

With the Capital Requirements Directive IV (CRD IV) now fully implemented into Dutch law, the consequences of the capital requirements set by the Basel III accord are becoming more and more clear. The Basell III accord, which dates back to 2010, requires banks internationally to meet increased capital requirements gradually towards 2019. The reason for Basel III is primarily found in the ineffective functioning of the Basel II accord rules during the credit crunch. In Europe, the Basel III...

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EU Court of Justice Rules on the Definition of Personal Data

The Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) recently provided further guidance on what constitutes personal data for the purpose of EU law. The CJEU ruled in the joined cases of YS, M, and S v Minister for Immigratie, Integratie en Asiel that the legal analysis contained in an internal document as part of an internal process is not personal data. The decision came following a request for a preliminary ruling by the Dutch courts. The decision is also...

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Ogletree Deakins Expands International Platform, Opens Mexico City Office

ATLANTA – September 24, 2014 – Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management, is pleased to announce that the firm is expanding its international platform by opening an office in Mexico City. The firm has previously opened offices in Berlin, Germany and London, England to meet the growing demand for international legal services. The firm’s new office allows the firm to provide local labor and employment support and solutions for clients with operations in...

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President Barroso Highlights Ambitious EU Targets at UN Climate Summit, Pledges Aid to Developing Countries

Speaking at the UN Climate Summit in New York City today, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said that the European Union will aim to cut domestic greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030, and set a renewables target of at least 27 percent and energy savings of 30 percent. "I am confident that EU leaders will seal this deal at their summit in October." President Barroso noted that "these targets are milestones on the way to our broader objective...

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Digital tech gives you the keys to the Roman Empire

Would you like to discover secret treasures of the Roman Empire, guided by an old merchant and his nephew? New technologies make this incredible journey possible. An exciting new exhibition is being launched today in four different cities, representing key areas of the Roman Empire: Rome (Italy), Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Alexandria (Egypt). ‘Keys to Rome’ (#K2R) is organised by an EU-funded network of archaeologists, art historians, architects, computer scientists and communication experts. "All the technologies...

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Court Decision Holds That Individuals Can Be Liable For Company Imports

In a September 16, 2014 decision which has broad implications for corporate officers, import managers and other persons involved in import operations, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found the president of an importing corporation individually liable for customs penalties under the theory that he was responsible for the “introduction” into the United States of under-valued merchandise imported by the company.  The decision, US v. Trek Leather, Inc., can be accessed at https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/images/stories/opinions-orders/11-1527.Other.9-12-2014.1.PDF. The Customs penalty statute (19....

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Atlantic City’s “Pier” Bids Fall Below Appraised Value

Some people go to Atlantic City with a fistful of quarters and dreams of instant wealth. Others go down there apparently with a fistful of quarters hoping to come home with the Pier at Caesars. According to September special servicer commentary, recent bids have come in below the latest appraised value of $5.5 million. Nonetheless, the special servicer is still reviewing those offers and is in discussions with potential buyers. The property backs an $80.5 million Pier at Caesars loan that represents 11.3% of MSC...

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