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CALIFORNIA

– Air pollution

– – Diesel emissions projects at Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to get $26.6M in stimulus funding, 189:A–16 (10/2/09); Port of Long Beach settles trucking industry's lawsuit challenging clean-truck program (C.D. Cal.), 202:A–13 (10/22/09)
– – Paints and coatings, South Coast Air Quality Management District overstepped its authority by issuing “technology-forcing” standards (Cal. Ct. App.), 193:A–8 (10/8/09)
– – Trucking industry lawyer says EPA regulation that allows Cal. to impose standards on out-of-state refrigerated trucks is essentially costly nationwide application of Cal. standards (D.C. Cir.), 190:A–14 (10/5/09)

– Bank acquisitions, governor signs bill to decouple from IRS Notice, 196:H–1 (10/14/09)
– Business net receipts tax

See Tax reform, this heading

– Environment

– – Central Valley water crisis and its associated environmental problems, Obama admin. to provide heightened leadership, 188:A–30 (10/1/09)
– – Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, lawmakers begin hearings on draft legislation to overhaul management, 206:A–6 (10/28/09)

– Federal conformity update vetoed over penalty measure, 196:H–1 (10/14/09)
– Housing

– – Affordable housing, Treasury announces $284M award to spur Cal. housing sector, 204:G–4 (10/26/09)
– – Basis, homeowner must use land's current valuation when seeking Proposition 60 tax relief (Cal. Ct. App.), 205:K–1 (10/27/09); decision text, 205:TaxCore (10/27/09)

– Legislation, governor signs various tax bills, 196:H–1 (10/14/09); governor signs more than 3 dozen energy- and environment-related bills, 197:A–29 (10/15/09)
– Mortgages, governor signs 8 bills to increase protections for homebuyers and allow law enforcement to more effectively crack down on deceitful practices, 196:EE–5 (10/14/09)
– National forests in Southern Cal., U.S. Forest Service ordered to change management plan covering 4 (N.D. Cal.), 190:A–26 (10/5/09)
– Oil spills, Chevron and airline consortium that owns jet fuel tank farm at San Francisco Intl. Airport to spend $1M to resolve charges it violated Clean Water Act, EPA says, 196:A–20 (10/14/09)
– Renewable energy

– – Investment incentive program opened to green energy, 204:H–2 (10/26/09)
– – Mojave and Colorado deserts public land projects, Interior Sec'y Salazar and governor sign agreement to expedite siting and permitting, 196:A–15 (10/14/09)

– SBOE vacancy, Horton sworn in, 192:H–1 (10/7/09)
– Tax reform

– – Lawmakers prepare to review commission's plan, 191:H–1 (10/6/09)
– – Open meeting law, e-mails show appointed commission may have violated, 194:GG–1 (10/9/09)

– Transportation, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority passes $298B long-range plan to guide infrastructure development through 2040, 204:A–15 (10/26/09)
– Water efficiency standards for residential clothes washers, DOE decision denying Cal preemption waiver to implement overturned (9th Cir.), 208:A–26 (10/30/09)
– Water pollution, San Diego sues Navy, shipbuilders, and utility over pollution in San Diego Bay (S.D. Cal.), 202:A–28 (10/22/09)
– Wealthy taxpayers, surtax on incomes in excess of $1M upheld (Cal. Ct. App.), 198:K–1 (10/16/09); decision text, 198:TaxCore (10/16/09)
– Wireless telephone contracts, plaintiffs challenging tax on free phones not bound by arbitration clause (9th Cir.), 206:K–2 (10/28/09); decision text, 206:TaxCore (10/28/09)

CAMPAIGN FINANCE

– Americans for Job Security, FEC and Public Citizen agree to delay until 2010 further action on lawsuit challenging FEC's dismissal of enforcement matter (D.D.C.), 196:A–8 (10/14/09)
– Bank of America admits making illegal corporate campaign contributions and agrees to pay $18K fine to FEC, 207:A–1 (10/29/09)
– Coordination between federal candidates and outside entities, FEC scheduled to take up proposal to rewrite crucial regulations defining, 190:A–7 (10/5/09); FEC votes 6-0 to advance new proposals to regulate “coordinated communications,” 194:A–15 (10/9/09); clarification of 194:A-15, 197:A–36 (10/15/09)
– Independent political organizations

– – Black Rock Group political consulting firm, 3 GOP members of FEC back broader ruling in advisory opinion on providing guidance to clients without being regulated as political committee, 201:A–11 (10/21/09)
– – EMILY's List ruling that contributions protected and cannot be limited by FEC will not be appealed by FEC (D.C. Cir.), 203:A–11 (10/23/09)
– – SpeechNow.org political group challenge to FEC contribution limits set for consideration (D.C. Cir.), 193:A–12 (10/8/09); arguments to be heard in Jan. 2010, 205:A–5 (10/27/09)

– Reporting rules violations, FEC fines 21st Century Democrats PAC $24K, 189:A–4 (10/2/09)
– Sierra Club Va. Chapter and Voter Education Fund allowed by FEC to become involved in election campaigns in state without restrictions under federal rules, 192:A–13 (10/7/09)
– “Unity” presidential ticket, challenge to FEC ruling that political organization formed to seek must abide by campaign contribution limits (D.C. Cir.), 198:A–5 (10/16/09)

CANADA

– Accounting

– – Energy companies behind on IFRS implement efforts, PwC survey finds, 199:I–5 (10/19/09)
– – National standards approved for 2009 reporting, IFRS use allowed, 188:I–3 (10/1/09)
– – Public sector enterprises subject to IFRSs, Canadian standards body says, 207:I–4 (10/29/09)

– Antitrust, Competition Bureau obtains consent agreement from drugmaker Pfizer for significant divestitures to resolve concerns over acquisition of Wyeth, 197:A–34 (10/15/09); FTC approves acquisition, 198:A–8 (10/16/09); pharmacists file amended complaint to halt merger (N.D. Cal.), 199:A–17 (10/19/09)
– Buy American provisions of stimulus package, U.S. and Canada discuss Canada's proposal for exemption, 189:A–18 (10/2/09)
– Carbon dioxide sequestration, federal government and Alberta fund plan to capture carbon from coal-fired power plant, 199:A–10 (10/19/09)
– Country-of-origin labeling requirements for meat and perishable commodities, Canada to seek WTO panel ruling on U.S. requirements, 193:A–10 (10/8/09); Mexico joins Canada to seek WTO panel, 196:A–5 (10/14/09); U.S. blocks panel, 204:A–3 (10/26/09)
– eBay Canada ordered to provide data on high-volume sellers, 194:I–2 (10/9/09)
– Economic outlook, stronger global outlook to help Canadian economy, but considerable uncertainty remains, Bank of Canada report, 203:EE–9 (10/23/09)
– Economic stimulus, legislation introduced to implement tax relief, key stimulus policies, 190:I–1 (10/5/09)
– Exports to increase 6 percent in 2010, but challenges remain, report says, 207:EE–14 (10/29/09)
– Gross domestic product, July, Statistics Canada report, 188:EE–8 (10/1/09)
– GST/HST paid in error, revenue agency issues guidance on input tax credits, 199:I–2 (10/19/09)
– Harmonized tax regimes, British Columbia, Ontario set rules for transitions, 199:I–1 (10/19/09)
– Hazardous air pollutants, Environment Canada publishes final regulations to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds from architectural coatings, 195:A–5 (10/13/09)
– Inflation rate, Sept., Statistics Canada report, 199:EE–7 (10/19/09)
– Interest rates left unchanged by Bank of Canada, 201:EE–5 (10/21/09)
– Internet traffic management practices, telecommunications regulator issues new policy framework, 203:A–6 (10/23/09)
– Retail sales, Aug., Statistics Canada report, 203:EE–5 (10/23/09)
– Tar sands oil

– – Carbon capture and storage technology, Alberta government signs letter of intent with Shell Canada Energy to implement at Athabasca Oil Sands Project, 196:A–3 (10/14/09)
– – Pipeline from Canada to U.S., NRDC request to block rejected (D.D.C.), 188:A–25 (10/1/09)

– Toxic substances, Environment Canada and Health Canada issue draft orders that would declare 7 chemicals toxic under Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 195:A–14 (10/13/09)
– Trade deficit, Aug., Statistics Canada report, 195:EE–4 (10/13/09)

CANCER AND CARCINOGENS

– Breast cancer awareness and treatment advocates testify at House Energy and Commerce panel hearing in support of legislation that would improve education and patient care, 193:A–18 (10/8/09)
– Herbal remedies, ALJ dismisses FTC staff's challenge to claims by marketer Gemtronics, 190:A–13 (10/5/09)

CAPITALIZATION

– Tangible assets, Treasury and IRS working to finalize rules, 189:G–4 (10/2/09)

CARIBBEAN REGION

– Caribbean Basin Recovery Act, effect on U.S. consumers and beneficiary countries small but positive, but effect on U.S. methanol industry potentially negative, ITC report, 189:A–8 (10/2/09)

CFCs

See CONTROLLED FOREIGN CORPORATIONS (CFCs)

CFTC

See COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION (CFTC)

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

– ACORN Inst., OPM has no basis for barring from CFC, combined federal campaign, 206:G–7 (10/28/09); Dir. Berry's response to Grassley (R-Iowa), 206:TaxCore (10/28/09)
– Credit counseling group's eligibility for deductible gifts revoked, 195:G–7 (10/13/09)
– Food inventory deduction

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 3227, S 1313

– Itemized deduction cap

See HEALTH CARE REFORM

– Land conservation easements

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 1831, S 812

– Motor vehicles, documentation for deduction inadequate, TIGTA says, 197:G–6 (10/15/09)
– Scholarship organizations

See EDUCATION

– Timothy McVeigh discovery materials, defense counsel appeals deduction denial (U.S., rev sought), 190:K–1 (10/5/09); (rev den), 191:K–2 (10/6/09)

CHARITABLE SECTOR

See EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS

CHEMICALS

– Assessment and Management Program officially ended by EPA in favor of approach to manage existing chemicals, 189:A–25 (10/2/09)
– Disclosure, giving public more information on chemicals and pesticides top priority for EPA's Owens, 208:A–14 (10/30/09)
– Nanomaterials

See NANOTECHNOLOGY

– Security of chemical plants

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2868, HR 2892*

CHILDREN

– Pesticide spray drift, environmental advocates urge EPA to set temporary controls while agency considers changes to labeling requirements, 200:A–14 (10/20/09)
– Privacy, apparel marketer, Iconix Brand Group, agrees to $250K fine, FTC alleges Children's Online Privacy Protection Act violations and privacy notice breaches (S.D.N.Y.), 202:A–5 (10/22/09)
– Product safety and liability, lead

– – CPSC issues guidance on testing and certification of lead content in children's products, 202:A–25 (10/22/09); CPSC approves recommended accreditation requirements for third-party testing labs, 203:A–16 (10/23/09)
– – Target agrees to pay $600K civil penalty for alleged lead paint violation on toys, 189:A–24 (10/2/09)

CHINA

See also TAIWAN
– Air pollution, Guizhou Province signs agreement with power companies on sulfur dioxide emissions, 200:A–3 (10/20/09)
– Antidumping

– – Diamond saw blades, Commerce Dep't ordered to issue antidumping duty orders and to begin collecting duties (Ct. Intl. Trade), 190:A–11 (10/5/09)
– – Iron and steel fasteners, China seeks WTO panel ruling on EU regulation affecting imports, 196:A–6 (10/14/09); WTO sets up panel to rule on case, 204:A–3 (10/26/09)
– – Nylon, China prepares to impose tariffs of up to 36.2 percent on some imports to protect domestic industry, 201:A–2 (10/21/09)
– – Prestressed concrete steel wire strand and certain steel grating, Commerce Dep't announces 2 separate preliminary determinations that China subsidizing exports, 206:A–12 (10/28/09)

– Audiovisual works and music download services, U.S. files counter-appeal against part of WTO ruling on U.S. complaint targeting Chinese restrictions, 193:A–2 (10/8/09); WTO ruling could open booming market for mobile music downloads, analysts say, 195:A–3 (10/13/09)
– Businesses encouraged to go abroad and invest in other countries, chairman of China Ass'n of Trade in Services (CATIS) says, 205:A–14 (10/27/09)
– Climate change

– – Carbon tax, government study proposes implementation in 2013 to reduce CO2 emissions, 196:I–3 (10/14/09)
– – India and China sign agreement, pledge cooperation on technology transfer, 203:A–3 (10/23/09)
– – Low-carbon product certification system, Chinese authorities sign agreement with German representatives to cooperate on creating, 203:A–12 (10/23/09)

– Currency reform

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2378

– Economic growth, third quarter, Natl. Bureau of Statistics report, 203:EE–4 (10/23/09)
– Energy

– – Clean energy sector, U.S. to press China on opening to U.S. firms, 207:A–3 (10/29/09)
– – Efficiency and renewable energy, DOE officials discuss cooperation on electric vehicles and other clean energy technologies with Chinese counterparts, 191:A–17 (10/6/09)
– – Lithium-ion batteries used in mobile devices and hybrid and electric cars, Standardization Admin. reviewing draft safety regulation, 198:A–12 (10/16/09)

– European Union's trade deficit with China risks becoming “unsustainable” unless Beijing addresses barriers hindering foreign firms from exporting to, and investing in, Chinese market, trade official warns, 205:A–14 (10/27/09)
– Exports should rebound in 2010, following sharp dip in 2009, official says, 205:A–1 (10/27/09)
– Ferrochrome producers lobby South African government for chromite ore export limits to China, 205:A–3 (10/27/09)
– Global Business Dialogue, USTR General Counsel Reif says Obama admin. in talks with China on underlying causes of import surges, 204:A–9 (10/26/09)
– High-tech trade with China lost to EU and Japan because of “discriminatory” U.S. export controls, Chinese government officials say, 188:A–11 (10/1/09)
– Infrastructure projects, U.S. industrial and engineering firm Harsco signs joint venture with Chinese construction firm, 207:A–2 (10/29/09)
– Intellectual property

– – Commerce Sec'y Locke says more work needed on IP rights in China, 206:A–1 (10/28/09)
– – Writers' group encouraging its member authors to take action against Google for scanning and posting their books online without permission, 204:A–7 (10/26/09)

– Obama to visit China Nov. 15-18 to discuss energy, climate and other issues, 204:A–14 (10/26/09)
– Poultry exports to U.S., ending ban

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2997*

– Product safety and liability

– – CPSC and Chinese counterpart seek to ensure safety built in at all supply stages, 206:A–29 (10/28/09)
– – Drywall from China, CPSC “working tirelessly” to investigate and analyze safety hazards, 189:A–20 (10/2/09); initial results of 3 studies preliminarily indicate some difference between Chinese and other drywall, 208:A–13 (10/30/09)

– Raw materials used in processed goods, China rejects criticisms from major trading partners regarding quotas and taxes, 190:A–9 (10/5/09)
– Textiles, U.S. criticizes China for failing to provide information on reported subsidies granted by provincial and local authorities to producers, 207:A–4 (10/29/09)
– U.S.-China Business Council says most U.S. businesses in China profitable, expect growth in 2009, 193:A–18 (10/8/09)
– U.S.-China Joint Comm'n on Commerce and Trade, meeting scheduled in China to discuss ongoing issues, 202:A–1 (10/22/09); USTR and Commerce Dep't should address Chinese export subsidies and currency interventions, American Iron and Steel Institute says, 205:A–1 (10/27/09); agreements reached on pork and poultry trade, China probes U.S. auto-dumping claims, 208:A–3 (10/30/09)
– WTO obligation compliance, interagency Trade Policy Staff Comm. accepts oral testimony in preparation for its annual report, 190:A–21 (10/5/09); China promises WTO members notification detailing new subsidies, 201:A–5 (10/21/09); U.S. renews concerns on China's rules to govern intellectual property rights in review, 202:A–2 (10/22/09)

CIGARETTES

See TOBACCO INDUSTRY

CLIMATE CHANGE

– Adaptation

– – Bingaman (D-NM) bill

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 1933

– – Developing countries will have to pay between $75B and $100B annually through 2050, World Bank report, 189:A–3 (10/2/09); summit speakers say global efforts needed to help developing nations with adaptation, 190:A–7 (10/5/09)
– – Federal government needs more coordinated strategy, witnesses tell House panel, 203:A–18 (10/23/09)

– Airlines

See AIR TRANSPORTATION

– Alaska, lawsuit brought against 24 oil and energy companies by Inupiat Eskimos dismissed as political issue (N.D. Cal.), 198:A–21 (10/16/09)
– Cap-and-trade regime

– – Boxer (D-Cal), Kerry (D-Mass) bill

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 1733

– – Increased costs, CRS report examines mechanisms to reduce household burden, 196:G–1 (10/14/09)
– – Midwestern governors put regional plan on hold, will focus on national policy, 193:A–28 (10/8/09)
– – Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, N.Y. governor signs bill allocating funds from auction of carbon emissions for energy conservation and creation of green jobs, 196:A–8 (10/14/09); N.Y. governor proposes diverting RGGI funds to close state budget deficit, 198:A–13 (10/16/09)
– – Royal Dutch Shell's CEO favors carbon cap-and-trade program, urges U.S. to take lead at Copenhagen, 194:A–14 (10/9/09)

– Carbon dioxide sequestration

– – Alberta government signs letter of intent with Shell Canada Energy to implement carbon capture and storage technology at Athabasca Oil Sands Project, 196:A–3 (10/14/09); federal government and Alberta fund plan to capture carbon from coal-fired plant, 199:A–10 (10/19/09)
– – Cal. timber company, Sierra Pacific Industries, launches nation's largest project, governor announces, 189:A–6 (10/2/09)
– – Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership successfully injects 1,000 tons of liquefied carbon dioxide into rock thousands of feet below ground level in Ky., DOE announces, 202:A–24 (10/22/09)
– – Tax credit, IRS issues interim guidance on eligibility for, 194:G–4 (10/9/09); Notice 2009-83, 194:TaxCore (10/9/09)

– China

See CHINA

– Developing countries

See DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

– DOD to include analysis of climate change as threat in its Quadrennial Defense Review, 189:A–18 (10/2/09)
– Economic downturn expected to result in largest one-year drop in greenhouse gas emissions on record, IEA warns that deficit could be erased if practices do not change, 192:A–17 (10/7/09)
– Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions across 28 member countries of IEA increased 17 percent between 1990 and 2007 despite “de-fossilization of energy mix,” report says, 199:A–2 (10/19/09)
– European Union issues

See EUROPEAN UNION (EU)

– Federal agencies, Obama issues executive order to set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for 2020 within 90 days, 191:A–19 (10/6/09); order threatens economy without environmental benefit, Inhofe (R-Okla) says, 204:A–20 (10/26/09)
– Federal legislation

– – Cantwell (D-Wash) drafts bill to require 100 percent of allowances to be auctioned and would return bulk of revenue to consumers, 202:A–19 (10/22/09)
– – House bill

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2454

– – Passage of bill before UN summit in Copenhagen in Dec. “not likely,” White House coordinator of energy and environmental policy Browner says, 190:A–1 (10/5/09)
– – Senate Dem bill would require deeper cuts in emissions than House counterpart and would protect EPA authority over emissions from coal-fired power plants, 188:AA–2 (10/1/09); Boxer (D-Cal), Kerry (D-Mass) bill features cap-and-trade regime, 188:G–9 (10/1/09); further action, see LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 1733
– – White House looking forward to healthy discussion on energy and climate change as bills progress, Council on Environmental Quality Chrm. Sutley says, 190:A–4 (10/5/09)

– French government would assess carbon tax on households and businesses, budget plan, 189:I–1 (10/2/09); Natl. Assembly approves carbon tax, 208:I–2 (10/30/09)
– G-20 countries, IEA says Obama requests study on potential climate and economic effects of phasing out fossil-energy subsidies, 197:A–1 (10/15/09)
– India and China sign agreement, pledge cooperation on technology transfer, 203:A–3 (10/23/09)
– Methane to Markets Partnership reduced emissions by 26 million metric tons in 2008, EPA says, 202:A–30 (10/22/09)
– Mexico can halt growth in emissions while keeping economy sound, World Bank says, 205:A–14 (10/27/09)
– Miss. private property owners can proceed with global warming-related damage claims (5th Cir.), 200:A–21 (10/20/09)
– Motor vehicles

– – Bush admin. EPA planned in 2007 to propose that greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks endanger public welfare, document shows, 197:A–10 (10/15/09)
– – Cal. and other states allowed to impose their own limits, N.Y. and 17 other states oppose lawsuit that challenges EPA decision (D.C. Cir.), 195:A–22 (10/13/09); Cal. officials want loopholes closed, 206:A–28 (10/28/09)
– – Development of truly low-carbon vehicle fleet in U.S. could take decades, industry says, 192:A–22 (10/7/09)
– – EPA and NHTSA praised for proposing new, national standards, some witnesses warn of possible loopholes for automakers, 202:A–15 (10/22/09)
– – Inhofe (R-Okla) seeks information on White House coordinator Browner's role in developing proposals that vehicle greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health, 194:A–25 (10/9/09)
– – Light-duty truck proposal draws state support and dealer objections, 204:A–25 (10/26/09)

– Navy to be challenged by greenhouse gas regulations, official says, 198:A–17 (10/16/09)
– Ozone-depleting substances

– – BASF to pay $384,200 civil fine, and spend estimated $250K to reduce use of refrigerant chemicals that destroy ozone layer (E.D. Tex.), 200:A–24 (10/20/09)
– – Vehicle air conditioning systems, EPA proposes approval of new refrigerant as acceptable substitute, 199:A–18 (10/19/09)

– Prevention-of-significant-deterioration (PSD) tailoring rule, EPA proposal would set major source threshold of 25,000 tons per year of greenhouse gases, 188:AA–1 (10/1/09); EPA seeks suggestions on applying Clean Air Act to greenhouse gas emissions, 193:A–30 (10/8/09)
– Seal species affected by loss of sea ice, NOAA to decide by Oct. 15 whether to grant ESA protections (D.D.C.), 190:A–19 (10/5/09)
– Spain needs to substantially boost efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in transportation and power sectors to meet goals, IEA says, 192:A–20 (10/7/09)
– Stationary source carbon dioxide emissions, Murkowski (R-Alaska) seeks information on opposition by EPA to amendment to temporarily suspend EPA authority, 194:A–31 (10/9/09); comment period opens on EPA plan to limit stationary source emissions, 205:A–12 (10/27/09)
– Sweden plans to abolish carbon dioxide tax on fuel for firms subject to EU emissions trading system, 193:I–1 (10/8/09)
– Technology development and transfer 2-day conference in India ends with ministerial delegations agreeing that intellectual property rights issues and finance are key challenges, 205:A–1 (10/27/09)
– Tex. environmental group sues state regulators to force regulation of greenhouse missions (Tex. Dist. Ct.), 192:A–31 (10/7/09)
– Transport sector, IEA says technology revolution needed to halve emissions by 2050, 207:A–3 (10/29/09)
– Tropical deforestation, broad coalition seeks 50 percent cut within decade, 193:A–15 (10/8/09)
– UN talks

– – Air transportation, Intl. Civil Aviation Org. vows leadership on climate, will present plan in Copenhagen, 193:A–10 (10/8/09)
– – Bangkok talks

– – – Advocates praise progress on several technical and secondary issues, but rich and poor countries remain divided on central issues, 195:A–6 (10/13/09)
– – – Developing countries walk out, U.S. says it will not back Kyoto-based agreement, 193:A–6 (10/8/09)
– – – New international tax on airlines, maritime transport discussed, 192:I–2 (10/7/09)
– – – Prospects dim for final deal in Copenhagen, UN's De Boer says talks may go into 2010, 194:A–9 (10/9/09)
– – – Top UN official calls sessions most “constructive” in 2 years, 194:A–9 (10/9/09)

– – Barcelona talks, chairman says process hindered by delegates' unwillingness to compromise and by lack of vision about goal, 208:A–9 (10/30/09)
– – Border tariffs should be negotiated under global climate deal, Cardin (D-Md) says, 201:A–6 (10/21/09)
– – Carbon offsets, Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism contains problems that must be addressed in future programs, summit speakers say, 189:A–13 (10/2/09)
– – Efficiency and renewable electricity standards could achieve most emissions cuts needed by 2020 without new treaty, UN Foundation's Wirth says, 192:A–26 (10/7/09)
– – European Union to finalize its negotiating position during ministerial conferences, 199:A–13 (10/19/09); European official seeks more commitment from U.S. in run-up to Copenhagen summit, 201:A–8 (10/21/09); EU finance ministers fail to agree on funding plan for adaptation and mitigation, 201:A–9 (10/21/09); ministers agree on EU position for Copenhagen conference, 202:A–6 (10/22/09)
– – India ups ante against “one-sided” Western discourse that blames developing countries for being obstructionist and not doing their part, 195:A–24 (10/13/09)
– – Intellectual property

– – – Congress' expression of interest in protection of U.S. IP rights in talks praised by U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 206:A–5 (10/28/09)
– – – Involuntary compulsory licensing, report analyzing impact finds green job losses could reach between one million and 3 million, Chamber of Commerce says, 189:A–5 (10/2/09)

– – Practical solutions should be focus of Copenhagen talks rather than creating another treaty, former British PM Blair says, 191:A–25 (10/6/09)
– – Royal Dutch Shell's CEO favors carbon cap-and-trade program, urges U.S. to take lead at Copenhagen, 194:A–14 (10/9/09)
– – Tailpipe emissions from biofuels, and emissions from forests cleared to grow biofuel crops should be considered in agreement, paper says, 203:A–20 (10/23/09)
– – U.S. climate bill passage crucial to success of Copenhagen negotiations, European Parliament member says, 208:A–20 (10/30/09)

COLLECTION OF TAXES

See TAX COLLECTION

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

– E-rate program to connect schools and libraries to internet, Rockefeller (D-WVa) seeks FCC rule change to increase funding, 195:A–23 (10/13/09)
– Employment, White House report says stimulus package created or saved over 250,000 jobs, 200:EE–9 (10/20/09)

COLOMBIA

– Customs practices and port entry restrictions affecting imports from Panama, WTO arbitrator gives Colombia until Feb. 2010 to comply with ruling condemning, 191:A–12 (10/6/09)
– U.S. free trade agreement, Colombia's Triana says lack of ratification puts government in precarious position as ally of U.S. in region, 198:A–29 (10/16/09)

COLORADO

– Air pollution, state failed to adequately evaluate permit for natural gas facility, EPA says, 202:A–34 (10/22/09)
– Corporate tax nexus, practitioners raise concerns with proposed rule, 198:H–2 (10/16/09)
– Taxpayer bill of rights hampered economic growth, CBPP report says, 201:H–1 (10/21/09)

COMMERCE DEPARTMENT

– FY2010 funding

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2847

– Natl. Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) director nominee Gallagher pledges action on climate change, cybersecurity, and smart grid during Senate Commerce Comm. hearing, 198:A–28 (10/16/09)
– PTO

– – Deputy director, Commerce Sec'y Locke appoints Barner, 191:A–6 (10/6/09)
– – Examiner “count system,” Dir. Kappos and Patent Office Professional Ass'n announce series of proposals to bring significant change, 189:A–2 (10/2/09)
– – Rules package limiting patent continuation and claims practice rescinded, Dir. Kappos announces, 194:A–14 (10/9/09); patent community applauds decision, 195:A–10 (10/13/09); despite rules rescission, Tafas case moves ahead on other issues (Fed. Cir.), 202:A–8 (10/22/09)

COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION (CFTC)

– Electronic filing by registrants and changing procedures for informing agency of breach of minimum net capital requirements proposed by CFTC, 201:EE–14 (10/21/09)
– Nominees Chilton, Sommers, and O'Malia confirmed by Senate, 195:EE–2 (10/13/09)

COMMUNICATIONS

See TELECOMMUNICATIONS

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

– Empowerment zone, renewal communities

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 1677, HR 3500, S 1222

– Iowa sets annual limits on development program tax credits, 204:H–1 (10/26/09)
– Ky. Reinvestment Act program, rules implement fees for applications, 204:H–2 (10/26/09)
– New markets tax credit, CDFI fund to name 2009 NMTC recipients soon, 189:G–10 (10/2/09); $70M award to benefit Ark., 205:G–8 (10/27/09)
– Renewable energy credits, job-loss zones

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 3834

– Way-Means revenue panel sets hearing on distressed communities, 188:G–13 (10/1/09); JCT describes tax incentives, 191:G–6 (10/6/09); report, 191:TaxCore (10/6/09); Neal (D-Mass) supports adding expiring incentives to extenders package, witnesses urge multiyear funding, 193:G–6 (10/8/09); prepared statements, 193:TaxCore (10/8/09)

COMPENSATION

– Antitrust, nurses seeking certification of class challenging alleged wage suppression cannot demonstrate that common questions of law or fact predominate over individual questions (N.D. Ill.), 188:A–14 (10/1/09)
– Average cost per hour of total employee compensation, wages, and benefits for private sector workers in 15 large metropolitan areas, March 2009, BLS report, 190:EE–16 (10/5/09)
– BNA Wage Trend Indicator, third quarter, final figures, 197:EE–4 (10/15/09); text of third quarter final figures, 197:E–6 (10/15/09)
– Deferred compensation plans

See DEFERRED COMPENSATION

– Executives

See EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

– Median usual weekly earnings, third quarter, BLS report, 199:EE–2 (10/19/09); text of third quarter data, 199:E–9 (10/19/09)
– Payroll taxes

See EMPLOYMENT TAXES

– Per diems, IRS updates guidance, 188:G–11 (10/1/09); text of Rev. Proc., 188:TaxCore (10/1/09)
– Personal income, Aug., Commerce Dep't report, 189:EE–1 (10/2/09); text of Aug. data, 189:E–4 (10/2/09); correction to 189:EE-1, 193:EE–11 (10/8/09); text of second quarter state data, 199:E–3 (10/19/09); state data, second quarter, BEA report, 199:EE–1 (10/19/09)
– Real average weekly earnings, Sept., BLS report, 198:EE–4 (10/16/09); text of Sept. data, 198:E–14 (10/16/09)
– Women's median annual earnings, 1979-2007, CBO report, 191:A–31 (10/6/09)

COMPUTER INDUSTRY

See also SOFTWARE
– “Antimicrobial” keyboards, Samsung agrees to pay $205K and stop making claims they inhibit germs and bacteria, EPA announces, 202:A–25 (10/22/09)
– Antitrust, DOJ issues civil investigative demands to members of Computer & Communications Industry Ass'n in probe of IBM for possible monopolization in mainframe computer market, 194:A–8 (10/9/09)
– Patent dispute between Intel and Wis. Alumni Research Foundation over use of processor technology settled (W.D. Wis.), 192:A–7 (10/7/09)

CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS

– ABA tax section fall conference

– – Build America Bonds, 188:G–12 (10/1/09)
– – Consolidated returns, 191:G–5 (10/6/09)
– – Corporate inversions, 191:G–1 (10/6/09)
– – Life settlements, reinsurance, 188:G–2 (10/1/09)

– AICPA tax division fall conference

– – Accounting, 208:G–7 (10/30/09)
– – Appeals, 208:G–10 (10/30/09)
– – Electronic filing, 208:G–8 (10/30/09)
– – Estate tax, 205:G–1 (10/27/09)
– – High-wealth industry group, 205:G–3 (10/27/09)
– – International tax, 207:G–5 (10/29/09); 207:G–8 (10/29/09)
– – Passthrough entities, 207:G–1 (10/29/09); 207:G–1 (10/29/09)
– – Tax enforcement, 205:G–6 (10/27/09)
– – Tax gap, economic downturn, 208:G–1 (10/30/09)
– – Taxpayer service, 205:G–4 (10/27/09)

– ALI-ABA conference

– – Consolidated group losses, 190:G–4 (10/5/09)
– – Deferred compensation, 195:G–5 (10/13/09)
– – Economic substance doctrine, 189:G–5 (10/2/09)
– – Employee benefits, 194:G–7 (10/9/09); 194:G–10 (10/9/09)
– – Retirement plans, 194:G–11 (10/9/09); 195:G–6 (10/13/09); 196:G–4 (10/14/09)

– Calendar of events, 190:W–1 (10/5/09); 195:W–1 (10/13/09); 199:W–1 (10/19/09); 204:W–1 (10/26/09)
– CERCA's fall meeting, 188:G–10 (10/1/09)

– – Electronic filing mandate, 197:G–7 (10/15/09)
– – Tax preparer regulation, 197:G–9 (10/15/09); 197:G–18 (10/15/09)

– Executive compensation, ABA conference, 205:G–8 (10/27/09); 206:G–1 (10/28/09); 207:G–5 (10/29/09)
– Federal Taxation, N.Y. Univ. Inst.

– – FBAR reporting, 201:G–6 (10/21/09)
– – Passthrough entities, 202:G–4 (10/22/09)
– – Tax compliance, 202:G–10 (10/22/09)
– – Tax preparer penalty, 203:G–4 (10/23/09)

– Financial services, LMSB and N.Y. TEI sponsored conference

– – Mark-to-market accounting, 197:G–13 (10/15/09); 198:G–6 (10/16/09)
– – Offshore loan origination, 198:G–6 (10/16/09)
– – Offshore tax evasion, 197:G–15 (10/15/09)
– – Tax audits, 198:G–2 (10/16/09)
– – Tax compliance, IRS foci, 197:G–10 (10/15/09)
– – Tax preparer regulation, 197:G–12 (10/15/09)
– – Withholding taxes, 197:G–3 (10/15/09)

– Governor's Global Climate Summit, 189:A–13 (10/2/09); 190:A–4 (10/5/09); 190:A–7 (10/5/09)
– International tax compliance, IRS, GWU conference set for Dec. 10 and 11, 195:G–1 (10/13/09)
– International tax conference, San Diego, 201:G–7 (10/21/09)
– Practising Law Inst.

– – Corporate taxes, 208:G–6 (10/30/09)
– – Deferred compensation, 207:G–3 (10/29/09)
– – IRS guidance plan, 208:G–3 (10/30/09)
– – Securities, 208:G–4 (10/30/09)

– Tax Controversy Inst., Univ. of Cal. LA extension

– – International enforcement, 207:G–2 (10/29/09)
– – IRS litigation focus, 206:K–1 (10/28/09)
– – Taxpayer hardship, 206:G–4 (10/28/09)

– Tax Executives Inst.

– – International tax compliance, 206:G–3 (10/28/09)
– – IRS Chief Counsel's goals, 206:G–3 (10/28/09)
– – Value-added tax, 205:G–6 (10/27/09)

– Taxpayer advocacy panel meetings

See TAXPAYER ADVOCACY PANELS

CONGRESS, U.S.

– Ed. Note: This heading is used for administrative actions only. For coverage of legislation by bill number, see LEGISLATION, FEDERAL. For information on measures not yet assigned bill numbers, see relevant subject headings.
– Agenda

– – Senate to work on Medicare payments, appropriations while top priority health care talks continue, 198:N–1 (10/16/09); Senate approves final DOD bill, talks on UI amendments continuing, 203:N–1 (10/23/09)
– – Weekly agenda, 190:N–1 (10/5/09); 195:N–1 (10/13/09); 199:N–1 (10/19/09); 204:N–1 (10/26/09)

– Departures, Wexler (D-Fla) plans to leave Congress in Jan., 197:N–3 (10/15/09)
– Ethics

– – Jefferson (D-La), secret legal battle over subpoenaed documents coincided with FBI raid of congressional office, according to recently unsealed ruling (4th Cir.), 201:A–1 (10/21/09)
– – Office of Congressional Ethics commences preliminary review of 25 matters and still has decisions pending on several others, report indicates, 206:A–8 (10/28/09)
– – Rangel (D-NY), House avoids vote on removing from Ways-Means Chrm. post, 193:G–8 (10/8/09); ethics committee votes to expand its investigation of Rangel, 194:G–8 (10/9/09)

– FY2010 funding for legislative branch

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2918*

– Schedule

– – Dec. adjournment, Hoyer (D-Md) hopes House will complete legislative business by second week, 194:N–1 (10/9/09); action slows on health care reform, appropriations bills, 197:N–1 (10/15/09)
– – Nov., House leader schedules more days in session for possible health care votes, 206:N–1 (10/28/09)
– – Oct. recess, Senate leaders cancel recess to work on health care reform, 188:N–1 (10/1/09)

CONNECTICUT

– Fuel-efficient vehicles, guidance governing tax exemption revised, 200:H–2 (10/20/09)
– “Green buildings,” combined returns, film production, and gift taxes addressed in legislation, 201:H–2 (10/21/09)
– Tax settlements, guidance on 2-month program released, 198:H–1 (10/16/09)

CONSOLIDATED RETURNS

– Cross-chain sales after liquidation of target firm, IRS corrects rules to modify election after liquidation of target firm, 188:G–13 (10/1/09); correction to REG-139068-08, 188:TaxCore (10/1/09); to TD 9458, 188:TaxCore (10/1/09)
– Losses

– – Disallowance related to subsidiary stock transactions, senior IRS attorney discusses work on regulations, 191:G–5 (10/6/09)
– – Investments in troubled companies, IRS examining accounting for, 190:G–4 (10/5/09)
– – Outstanding indebtedness not treated as stock for purposes of §382, IRS counsel defends PLR, 208:G–4 (10/30/09)

– Mexicans tax package includes retroactive recapture of consolidated tax regime benefits, Viewpoint, 203:J–1 (10/23/09)

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

– Air pollution, contractors and environmental group agree on emissions cuts from diesel-powered equipment at federally funded construction sites, 198:A–25 (10/16/09)
– Build America Bonds

See BONDS, TAXABLE

– Government contracts, construction companies face enhanced reporting, compliance and enforcement rules, speakers at ABA forum say, 200:A–15 (10/20/09)
– Spending, Aug., Commerce Dep't report, 189:EE–1 (10/2/09); text of Aug. data, 189:E–1 (10/2/09)
– Stormwater general permit for construction, EPA proposes extending for one year, 201:A–8 (10/21/09)
– Tax incentives, policy changes to promote economic recovery, AGC blueprint, 188:G–3 (10/1/09)

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

– Oct., Conference Bd. report, 206:EE–1 (10/28/09)

CONSUMER CREDIT

– Aug., Fed report, 193:EE–1 (10/8/09)
– Consumer testing use to be increased, Fed's Braunstein says central bank seeking to halt “reverse redlining,” 200:EE–6 (10/20/09)
– Free Annual File Disclosures Rule, FTC seeks comments on proposal to amend, 193:EE–5 (10/8/09)

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI)

– BLS report, Sept., 198:EE–1 (10/16/09); text of Sept. data, 198:E–1 (10/16/09)
– OECD country report, Aug., 189:EE–6 (10/2/09)

CONSUMER PROTECTION

– Debt collector, Niagara Credit Solutions, isn't shielded by bona fide error defense for intentional FDCPA violation (11th Cir.), 200:A–10 (10/20/09)
– Debt settlement firm that allegedly defrauded more than 1,000 N.Y. residents, Atty. Gen. Cuomo obtains decision and judgment assessing penalties and business restrictions (N.Y. Sup. Ct.), 199:EE–10 (10/19/09)
– Herbal remedies for cancer, ALJ dismisses FTC staff's challenge to claims by marketer Gemtronics, 190:A–13 (10/5/09)
– Money transfers, FTC announces $18M settlement with MoneyGram Intl., settling charges that company allowed system to be used by fraudulent telemarketers (N.D. Ill.), 201:A–11 (10/21/09)
– Product endorsements on social networks and personal blogs

See ELECTRONIC COMMERCE

– Supreme Court reviews denied, 191:A–23 (10/6/09)

CONTROLLED FOREIGN CORPORATIONS (CFCs)

– Possessions corporations, IRS to monitor §936 exit audits, 196:G–6 (10/14/09); LMSB directive, 196:TaxCore (10/14/09)
– Repatriation, IRS counsel Dorfman addresses loan ramifications of Schering-Plough swap transactions, Subpart F issue in case, 192:G–8 (10/7/09)
– Research credit, Deere must include foreign branch amounts to determine §41 credit (T.C.), 203:K–1 (10/23/09); decision text, 203:TaxCore (10/23/09)

COPYRIGHT

See INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

– Internal controls

– – Effectiveness, SEC says small issuers to start complying with audit attest requirement in June, 190:G–5 (10/5/09)
– – Small firm exemption

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 3775

– Limited liability companies in Del., recent decisions show that precise drafting and careful definition of terms key to successful litigation of disputes, attorneys say, 197:EE–11 (10/15/09)
– Managing tax risk, IRS Comm'r Shulman advocates larger role for board of directors, 200:G–3 (10/20/09); IRS news release, prepared remarks for Natl. Ass'n of Corporate Directors, 200:TaxCore (10/20/09)

CORPORATE REORGANIZATIONS

See REORGANIZATIONS, CORPORATE

CORPORATE TAXES

– Accounting issues

See ACCOUNTING

– Business expenses

See TRADE OR BUSINESS EXPENSES

– Complex transactions, practitioners debate relative importance of structure, finances in corporate deals, 208:G–6 (10/30/09)
– Consolidated group returns

See CONSOLIDATED RETURNS

– Controlled foreign firms

See CONTROLLED FOREIGN CORPORATIONS (CFCs)

– Controlled groups, IRS rules treat “excluded” corporations as “members,” Viewpoint, 204:J–1 (10/26/09)
– Expiring business incentives, 507 businesses urge Congress to pass extenders package, 194:G–6 (10/9/09); U.S. Chamber of Commerce-coordinated letter, 194:TaxCore (10/9/09)
– Lowering tax rates, panelists discuss effects, mitigating problems, 194:G–1 (10/9/09)
– Multinational issues

See INTERNATIONAL TAX

– NOL carrybacks

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2452, HR 3548

– Reorganizations

See REORGANIZATIONS, CORPORATE

– Research credit

See RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

– Small firms

See SMALL BUSINESSES

– State taxes

See STATE TAX DEVELOPMENTS; specific states

– Transfer pricing

See TRANSFER PRICING

COURTS

See SUPREME COURT, U.S.

CREDIT CARDS

– Consumer protection

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 3606

– Data collection, congressional letter tells Fed to strengthen to enable policy makers to monitor changing practices and evaluate impact of new law, 192:EE–8 (10/7/09)
– Delinquencies, second quarter, ABA report, 189:EE–12 (10/2/09)
– Expedited reform

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 3639

– Home Depot properly denied bad debt tax refunds (N.J. Super Ct.), 206:K–2 (10/28/09); decision text, 206:TaxCore (10/28/09)
– Interchange or “swipe” fees, House Financial Services Comm. to hold hearing on dispute between major retailers and credit card issuers, 190:EE–9 (10/5/09); further action, see LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2382
– Interest rates, Dodd (D-Conn) to introduce bill to freeze on existing balances, 205:EE–6 (10/27/09); further action, see LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 1927
– IRS reporting requirements for servicers and third-party processors, IRPAC makes recommendations, 207:G–7 (10/29/09)

CREDIT UNIONS

– Failures for 2009 total 11 with one each in Cal. and Tex., 189:EE–9 (10/2/09); NCUA liquidates 12th credit union in 2009, larger credit union takes members and assets, 208:EE–5 (10/30/09)
– Raising secondary or alternative capital from members, NAFCU and CUNA submit proposal to NCUA, 199:EE–14 (10/19/09)

CREDITS AGAINST TAXES

– Advanced energy equipment

See MANUFACTURING

– Bonds

See BONDS, TAXABLE

– Carbon sequestration

See CLIMATE CHANGE

– Economic stimulus

See AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT (ARRA)

– EITC

See EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC)

– Ethanol production, GAO says Congress should review credit, Grassley (R-Iowa) disagrees, 190:G–3 (10/5/09)
– Film production

See MOTION PICTURES

– Foreign tax payments

See FOREIGN TAX CREDIT

– Health care coverage

See HEALTH CARE REFORM

– Housing

– – Energy Star improvements

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 1792

– – Home buyers' credit

See HOUSING

– New markets credit

See COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

– Rehabilitation credit for buildings

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 3715, S 1743

– Renewable energy incentives

See RENEWABLE ENERGY

– Research credit

See RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

– State taxes

See specific states

– WOTC expansion, IRS reminds businesses certification deadline Oct. 17, 194:G–12 (10/9/09)

CUBA

– Embargo, GAO report outlines Obama's discretion to modify, 190:A–12 (10/5/09)

CURRENCY

– Debt to equity swaps, IASB publishes IAS 32 amendment on foreign currency rights, 194:I–2 (10/9/09)
– Manipulating exchange rates against dollar, Treasury did not cite any U.S. trade partners during first 6 months of 2009, 198:EE–10 (10/16/09)
– Reform for Fair Trade Act

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2378

– Tobin tax on transactions would do little to stabilize financial markets, IMF's Strauss-Kahn says, 190:I–2 (10/5/09)

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