January 2010 ushered in major changes in tax laws governing individual retirement accounts (IRAs) - changes that some commentators believe create unprecedented financial-planning opportunities. Prior to 2010, eligibility to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA was subject to strict income limitations. Now, under current law, Roth conversions are available to people of all ages and income levels.  Sarah Marks

In United States v. Washington State Department of Transportation ("WSDOT")1, the federal district court for the Western District of Washington recently held the WSDOT liable under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA") as an "arranger" for disposal of hazardous substances. This ruling was premised on the discharge to waterways that are part of a Superfund site of contaminated stormwater runoff from several major highways under WSDOT's authority. 

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Act"), an unprecedented overhaul of the U.S. financial regulatory system. Although the bulk of the bill focuses on increasing regulation of financial system risk, the Act contains a number of provisions that will impact companies in extractive industries.  Lucy Stark