The AL Law Group | All your environmental litigation needs.

New TCEQ Grants for Building Alternative Fueling Facilities

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 09:00:00 GMT

What this Means for Businesses

The TCEQ announced that new grants are not only eligible for individuals but also for industrial businesses. This can be a significant benefit for businesses looking to expand existing facilities. Additionally, the AL Law Group understands that there are legal challenges when it comes to understanding how grants are applied. With our eclectic team of legal experts, we are committed to helping industrial enterprises and professionals navigate the environmental legal landscape.

How this Benefits You

With this specific Alternative Fueling Facilities Program grant (AFFP) you will be able to take advantage of financial incentives. The goal if this program is to encourage a self-sustaining market for alternative fuel vehicles within the state’s Clean Transportation Zone . The AL Law Group staunchly supports initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility. Learn more about the eligible fuel types featured below to take advantage of this grant opportunity:

compressed natural gas and/or liquefied natural gas
propane
biodiesel
methanol
hydrogen
Electricity

To learn more about how the AL Law Group can help with your environmental legal process get connected with us today!

The Basics of Air Permitting

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:44:00 GMT

What You Need to Know

When it comes to understanding the intricacies of Air Permitting we are here to help clarify concerns and edify your existing knowledge of what these permits entail. We realize that interpreting the intricacies of permits can be time-consuming and frankly a challenge. Our dedicated Environmental Consultant team is here to do the detective work for you, but in the meantime, we’ll provide you with a brief overview of what to expect.

Types of Air Permits to be Familiar With

If you are in a position to construct a new facility or enhance an existing facility that emits air contaminants, it is important to be informed of potential air quality authorizations. Often times businesses fail to implement the proper legal protocols unintentionally do a lack of the right information. Featured below are some of the basic Air Permits you should be familiar with which include:

Standard Permits
Flexible Permits
De Minimis Facilities/Sources
Permit by Rule Authorizations
New Source Review (NSR) Permits
Title V Federal Operating Permits
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Permits

To learn more about the importance of Air Permitting get connected with us today!

Environmental Legal Products

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 19:15:00 GMT

Products that Deliver Results

When it comes to the AL Law Group’s environmental products the fundamental benefit we provide is expedient results. We understand that it can be a challenge to get environmental permits and authorizations completed in a timely fashion. Projects that have intricate legal structures can influence when a project gets started and completed.

How ENPASS can Help

Our ENPASS tool is one of our innovative products that can expedite your projects and reduce authorization times. Sometimes projects can take over 2 years to get authorized and cost millions of dollars. Saving you time and money is important to us, and with our innovative ENPASS product, we are able to help you achieve results ahead of schedule.

For more information about what ENPASS can do for you, connect with us today!

Real-Time Updates From Texas Environmental News

Fri, 08 Nov 2019 20:53:00 GMT

Stay Current and Consistent

We make it a focal point to make sure information is readily available to you. When you have access to the right information, you are that much more prepared to navigate the environmental landscape. Our legal practitioners take pride in not only providing cost-effective environmental solutions but also educating our clients on ways to proactively incorporate environmental strategies into their business practices.

Sustainable Solutions

The Al Law Group is committed to sustainable solutions that are beyond transactional and designed to transform how people approach environmental policy. We are able to do this by staying current with the latest legal practices and being consistent with our initiatives to provide you with up to date information courtesy of Texas Environmental News.

Texas Environmental News Benefits

In addition to providing the latest information on environmental news, Texas Environmental News is a resource that compiles information from a variety of sources in one convenient place. With real-time updates you will be aware and informed of environmental challenges from the following databases :

For more information about our services and Texas Environmental News connect with is today!

A History of Environmental Action

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 09:00:00 GMT

Leveraging Data and Technology for a Better World

As expert environmental consultants , we rely on science and innovation to lead us on the path toward a safe, healthy, and prosperous planet. We empower our clients to make ethical decisions through cutting-edge research and statistics. For example, our new CERES software provides access to comprehensive environmental reports at the click of a button, helping us combine human expertise with data-driven analysis.

Simplifying Tough Questions

The field of environmental law presents incredibly complex problems on a daily basis. We take pride in our ability to simplify these decisions by approaching them with ethics and science in mind. We help our clients find clear, straightforward answers that balance all the complicated factors of the decision-making process.

Helping Houston Businesses Comply and Succeed

Our clients include oil & gas companies, chemical plants, and many other businesses throughout the Houston area and the state of Texas. We have a proven track record of providing expert compliance solutions that meet and exceed our clients’ standards.

To learn more about how our multidisciplinary approach to environmental law, contact us today.

Our Track Record of Environmental Excellence

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 21:00:00 GMT

Ethics & Experience

At the AL Law Group , we pride ourselves on our combination of experience and ethics. We take inspiration from the concept of servant leadership. There are many reasons why someone might aspire to become a leader in a given field: knowledge, talent, or curiosity, to name a few. But we believe the main responsibility of effective leaders is to serve others. This principle guides us forward as we serve our clients and protect the environment.

Serving Clients and Helping Others

Strong service leadership requires listening skills, empathy, foresight, stewardship, and a commitment to building community. We listen to our clients’ needs and develop an individualized compliance strategy that incorporates environmental ethics into their business plan. We practice empathy toward every member of our community, building mutually beneficial solutions for those on all sides of environmental issues.

Our emphasis on data, science, and innovation gives us the foresight to find the best long-term solutions for our clients. Our sense of stewardship compels us to protect the environment and serve Houston to the best of our ability.

Building Trust Through Credible Communication

Our expertise is a key aspect of our success, but knowledge alone is not enough. Knowledgeable leaders must also be able to communicate clearly and honestly. Our careful approach to communication builds trust with our clients and leads to a better understanding of environmental issues throughout the state of Texas.

Connect with us today to learn more about our long history of stewardship and excellence!

Leadership Team

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 09:00:00 GMT

Lawyer Specialization

Our legal team is diversified with experienced professionals who possess exceptional legal prowess. The collective acumen of our team is how we are able to address some of the most challenging environmental concerns while providing low-cost solutions to our clients. In order to tackle the constantly evolving landscape of environmental legal policy, we make sure our group specializes in a variety of disciplines.

Team Skillset & Background

Jed Anderson – an expert in the areas of air quality and climate change law

Keith W. Lapeze – Focused expertise in environmental and tort litigation—arguing cases before numerous federal, state, and local courts

David J. Tuckfield – assisted large corporations in assuring compliance with environmental statutes and regulations, defending against enforcement actions, and obtaining or modifying permits for their operations

Susan Zachos – Listed in “Super Lawyers” since 2003 (Thomson Reuters) and Listed in Chambers & Partners USA Client’s Guide among “Texas Leaders” in environmental law (2006)

Michelle Hundley – Former Chief Operations Officer and Vice President of Public Affairs for Economic Alliance Houston Port Region

Lisa Alford – Over 12 years of experience and progressive responsibility in the environmental/regulatory sector, with a substantial focus in Air Quality permitting and compliance issues

Katherine Riemann – Extensive experience as a chemical industry compliance manager, primarily responsible for cost-effective compliance with environmental and other regulations in multiple operations throughout the U.S

For more information about the AL Law Group legal services, and team specialization contact us today!

History of AL Law Group

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 09:00:00 GMT

The Mission of Jed Anderson

Here at the AL Law Group, our mission is to provide expert legal counsel to help business leaders and corporations act in accordance with environmental legal policy. While this is what our mission entails from an operative standpoint, our long term vision is environmental legal self-sufficiency amongst corporations.

Expert Stewardship

Under the stewardship of Jed Anderson, we strive to make sure legal protocols become second nature for business leaders to keep environmental legal intervention at a minimum. In doing so the hope is to foster greater harmony between businesses and the ecosystem of the planet. Our goal is not to punish corporations who are failing to uphold environmental protocols, instead get them back on track to generating revenue in a socially responsible fashion.

What Drives us

The legal group we have assembled with Jed Anderson at the forefront is comprised of passionate and experienced legal practitioners. This experience comes from an intimate understanding of environmental legal policies that focus on people and the environments they exist in. We emphasize ethical coexistence and strive to deliver results that maximize potential benefit and minimize cost for the environment.

For more information on legal service and the foundational values of AL Law Group contact us today!

First VW Mitigation Contracts

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 15:21:00 GMT

School District Contracts

Environmental legal policies require deliberation and careful planning to ensure that actions are more beneficial than harmful. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) highlights how their agency issued the first 11 contracts as part of the Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust settlement. This settlement focuses on mostly school district diesel bus replacement and is in response to litigation over emissions from devices found installed on VW vehicles and its subsidiaries.

Priority Areas

The emissions from antiquated diesel school busses have a negative impact on the environment and ozone. Therefore, areas near or above the standard for National Ambient Air Quality will be designated priority areas. These areas will be closely monitored going forward to make sure that the devices installed on the outdated busses are not putting greater strains on the environment

Settlement Agreements

The settlement agreement stipulates that VW must pay approximately $2.9 billion into a trust that will be distributed to all 50 states including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The totals for texas is $209 million and Gov. Greg Abbot has designated TCEQ as the distributor for Texas’ portion of the funds.

These initial 11 contracts are awarded as follows:

$5,704,160.70 to four entities in the Austin Area
$5,945,993 to two entities in the San Antonio Area
$1,391,480 to two school districts in the Houston Area
$811,800 to two school districts in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area
$729,073 to a school district in Bell County

The AL Law Group understands the intricacies of legal policy. Our group strives to be informed of current legal practices in order to identify environmental legal challenges and provide sustainable solutions.

For more information about the AL Law Group and our environmental legal services contact us today!

ExxonMobil Fire at Baytown

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 20:31:00 GMT

Petrochemical Plant Fire

In Harris County on July 31st, there was a fire at the Exxon Baytown Olefins Plant. This resulted in the removal of liquid chemicals at the site of the chemical eruption. Two people have sued in response to the chemical fire that also injured 37 people. While normal operations have since resumed, issues like these require a legal acumen that utilizes proactivity to ensure environmental law policy is upheld.

Texas Commission of Environmental Quality & Environmental Protection Agency

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency are working together to assess the impacts of air quality from the chemical fire. Harris County also stated that Exxon will continue to monitor levels of benzene levels which show levels less than 1ppm. These levels demonstrate that levels do not indicate a public health risk but there may be flaring for the next few days.

Good News & Moving Forward

The AL Law Group understands issues like these can be prevented with proper understanding and application of environmental legal policy. However, these are challenges that require unique approaches that can get to the root cause of issues in order to prevent them from occurring again. In regards to the Exxon Baytown Olefins Plant, Fire pollution control did not detect any traces of benzene in the region of the facility for 72 hours. Additionally, a check by pollution control found benzene levels well below the OSHA standard for gasoline fillup.

For more information about AL Law Group and our environmental legal services contact us today!

The post ExxonMobil Fire at Baytown appeared first on The AL Law Group .

Accountability from the City of Beeville

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 12:26:00 GMT

The residents of Beeville, Texas recently experienced a water boil notice that was implemented in response to water contamination. The notice has since been lifted and is highlighted in the article, State Lifts Water Boil Notice in Beeville . Also, in previous situations when the City of Beeville had been put under water notice the city blamed chlorine evaporation rates on recent hot weather. This demonstrates the importance of knowing environmental law policy to make sure the city is accountable when events like this occur.

Chlorine Levels

City manager Joe B. Montez met with TCEQ at 4 pm to discuss the chlorine levels and what actions to take to get the water notice lifted. Montez explained that, “TCEQ must be the entity to finally approve the water in the system for consumption”. With TCEQ having the final say on the notice bing lifted it is important to act in accordance with the environmental law protocols to ensure the safety of consumers. While the lifting of the water boil notice should be a celebratory occasion, acknowledging how these issues can be prevented is essential. This is where environmental policy should be understood thoroughly.

For more information about the Al Law Group and our environmental law services contact us today.

Potable Water Quality in Houston

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 18:15:00 GMT

Water Boil Advisement

Houston Texas is no stranger to water issues. These issues are not easy fixes and oftentimes require a legal acumen for environmental law to prevent future issues. Water contamination affects the lives of many, which makes life hard for those with homes that have been compromised. The article TCEQ Looking Into Subdivisions’ Water Issues After Complaints by Autumn Owens, highlights how water issues that affect the subdivisions have garnered complaints from Western Lake Estates and Brazos Ridge Estates residents. The residents were advised to boil their water prior to consumption and this ordeal has taken an emotional toll on the residents.

Community Collaboration

Resident Robyn Winter-Skye described her experience having to purchase water since moving into her new home . She said, “ I have to buy about 40 gallons of bottled water from the Pure Water Station in Weatherford every week because the water is not drinkable and to make matters worse, if I give it to the cats I foster, the cats immediately begin to vomit” (Winter-Skye). This resulted in members of the community galvanizing together to bring attention to the negligence they were experiencing. Things like this should never happen to your home or business and Al Law group has a proven track record of environmental legal policy to make sure you will not go through the experience Winter-Skye went through.

Lack of Response

In addition the experience Robyn Winter went through Katherine Ballard also described how her water bill had been outrageously high and had a recurring smell of bleach odors. Ballard decided to take action by taking pictures of a water contamination meter. Subsequently, Ballard reached out to the water company and they had not gotten back to her, while still having a high water bill. Going through this experience has Ballard’s husband considering selling their house. You should not have to sell your house and navigate complicated environmental legal policy like the Residents of Western Lake Estates and Brazos Ridge Estates have contemplated.

Ultimately, there were as many as 30 complaints in total pertaining to water pressure, taste, color and smell (TCEQ).

For more information about the Al Law Group and our environmental legal services contact us today.

Drive Clean and Cut Air Pollution

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 21:31:00 GMT

Emissions from cars and trucks can make up close to half of the air pollution in some parts of the state of Texas. Houston/Galveston, Dallas/Fort Worth, and El Paso do not meet federal clean air standards established by the Clean Air Act. Additionally, Austin, San Antonio, Victoria, Tyler/Longview, Beaumont/Port Arthur, and Corpus Christi are close to exceeding clean air standards.

The Drive Clean Texas Campaign

These air pollution problems are why TxDOT developed the Drive Clean Texas campaign, designed to demonstrate how simple changes in driving behaviors can have a significant effect on vehicle emissions and air quality. Drive Clean Texas is asking everyone to help reduce vehicle air pollution by making simple adjustments to the way we drive and maintain our vehicles can help us all get where we need to go and reduce air pollution along the way.

Hands-on Learning

TxDOT is taking the hands-on, educational Drive Clean Texas Road Trip Challenge Game to cities around the state where air quality is an issue. The game is a fun, interactive way to learn about reducing harmful vehicle emissions by taking a Drive Clean digital road trip on a large smartphone.

Each time a wrong answer is selected, a puff of harmless “smoke” — representing vehicle emissions — is released into a giant, clear bubble encasing an actual sports car. Participants get hands-on training in basic tips in vehicle maintenance for optimal clean driving.

Easy to Follow Tips

Drive Clean Texas suggests a few simple steps to help protect the state’s air quality:

Keep vehicles well-maintained and inflate tires to recommended air pressure levels.
Properly fuel vehicles by tightly sealing the gas cap.
Stop at the click when fueling vehicle. Overfilling releases harmful fumes into the air.
Drive smart by obeying speed limits.
Avoid idling the vehicle for extended periods.
Avoid aggressive driving with rapid starts and stops.

Do Your Part

The Texas Department of Transportation’s “Drive Clean Texas” campaign asks all drivers to do their part to make sure every breath is clean and healthy all summer long. However, it also will take effort from businesses and the city to improve air quality. Contact us to find a solution that you can implement to help improve air quality.

Examining Austin’s Risky Ozone Levels

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:05:00 GMT

Austin is the largest city that complies with all of the required atmospheric levels mandated by the EPA’s established National Ambient Air Quality Standards. However, the city is at risk for violating federal ozone standards as the ozone levels in the Austin area have been hovering just below federal violation levels for the last six years.

What Constitutes Bad Air Days

Ground-level ozone, or “bad” ozone, is an ingredient in smog and a primary pollutant that can cause many health problems. Last year, Austin had ten days of air quality deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups, which follows closely on the heels of 2015’s 12 days of bad air quality.

Air quality is considered “bad” if any pollutant rises above the predetermined compliance levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Standards implemented by the EPA in 2015 state that good air quality permits 55 parts per billion of all air pollutants. Bad air quality is determined if the air has 71-85 parts per billion of all air pollutants.

What Bad Air Days Mean

Ground-level ozone is like a sunburn for your lungs. Risk of exposure to bad ozone is elevated in the summertime months because more people are outside and temperatures are hotter. High temperatures and blazing sunshine contribute to worsened air quality by magnifying the greenhouse effect that traps and radiates heat within the atmosphere.

Bad Air Days in 2019

So far, in 2019, there have been no days that have reached unhealthy levels of air quality. Seventeen days were considered “moderate” in terms of air quality. However, it is still too early to determine if this year will have fewer bad air quality days than last year as August and September are the worst days of the year for ozone. There is also a risk of bad ozone up through the end of October.

Potential Consequences of Bad Air

If this year’s air quality is any worse than last year’s, the city will violate national air quality standards. If that happens, there can be consequences even beyond public health. Fortunately, there are a variety of things that individuals, businesses, and the city can do to lower emissions. Contact us to find a solution that you can implement to help improve air quality.

Mansfield is an Exclusive Distributor of Ceres

Wed, 29 May 2019 15:54:00 GMT

Mansfield Marketing specializes in providing digital marketing services to clients in the industrial fields. Mansfield has announced an exclusive partnership with Ceres A.I. to promote environmental change and compliance.

Ceres is a tool for the next generation environmental practitioner. It utilizes big data, artificial intelligence, and the subject matter expertise training of experienced legal and consulting practitioners to deliver improved environmental professional performance.

Simplifying environmental compliance and protection is the singular focus of Ceres. “Complexity builds mountains. Simplicity moves mountains,” creator, Jed Anderson said. “As I dig deeper into Ceres and artificial intelligence, it’s not the underlying complexity that’s captured my attention. It’s the overarching simplicity. It’s going to make things simple. Really simple.”

Through developments in artificial intelligence technology, business problems can be more efficiently solved. When combined with big data, artificial intelligence can get the answers that are needed more efficiently than if done by humans. It also provides higher accuracy in performing its tasks because the possibility of human errors is removed and, unlike a regular computer program, artificial intelligence has the ability to learn from its mistakes and improve.

“If access to information is power, those using Ceres A.I. are becoming the most powerful people in Texas on environmental regulatory matters,” Anderson stated as a testament to Ceres’ capabilities.

Mansfield has worked with Anderson for many years and is excited to be a part of this world-changing project.

For more information, please visit www.ceresenvirosolutions.com

Texas Legislature Passes Chemical Recycling Bill

Fri, 10 May 2019 16:04:00 GMT

Texas Legislature passed HB 1953 on May 6. If signed by Governor Greg Abbott, Texas will become the sixth state to pass legislation to promote advanced plastics recycling and recovery technologies. This would convert post-consumer plastics into valuable raw materials using chemical recycling.

What HB 1953 Does

CSHB 1953 would prohibit the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) from considering post-use polymers or recoverable feedstocks to be solid waste if they were converted using pyrolysis or gasification into a valuable product. Processed post-use polymers and recoverable feedstocks would be considered recyclable materials.

The bill would specify that the recycling and reuse of post-use polymers and recoverable feedstocks classified as hazardous waste under federal law would be subject to federal requirements.

Potential Economic Impact

A report by the American Chemistry Council found the potential economic impact of expanding advanced plastic recycling and recovering technologies in the U.S. to be nearly $10 billion. A recent Closed Loop Partners report found the demand for recycled plastics is growing. ACC believes that if chemical recycling technology companies meet growing demand, they have potential revenue opportunities of $120 billion in the U.S. and Canada.

Where Texas Stands

Texas is the largest chemical manufacturing state in the U.S. with more than $117 billion of industry investment. In Texas, it’s estimated that converting the state’s post-consumer plastics into transportation fuel could power 859,700 cars per year.

Experts also determined that converting just 25 percent of the state’s postconsumer plastics into manufacturing feedstocks and transportation fuels could support 40 advanced recycling and recovery facilities and generate $501 million in economic output annually.

Talk to Us About the Bill

If finally passed by a two-thirds record vote of the membership of each house, the bill will take immediate effect. Otherwise, it would take effect on September 1, 2019. If you’d like to know more about how this bill could impact your business, contact us now.

Click here for more about the bill.

Houston Air Quality is Among the Worst in the Nation

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 18:24:00 GMT

Despite improvements, Houston once again made the top 10 list for most polluted cities in the country for ozone, according to the new “State of the Air” report. The “State of the Air” is a report card on ozone pollution (smog) and particle pollution (soot) that is so small that it can lodge deep in the lungs.

Where Houston Ranks

Houston ranked 9 for ozone pollution. The ranking is based on a higher average of unhealthy air days from 2015 to 2017. This is up two places from last year’s report. For particle pollution, it ranked 17, a fall from the previous ranking of 15.

Why This Matters

According to the report, a big contributor to air quality is climate change as warmer temperatures stimulate the reactions in the atmosphere that cause ozone to form. Both ozone and particle pollution are dangerous to public health. They can increase the risk of premature death and other serious health effects such as lung cancer, asthma attacks, cardiovascular damage, and developmental and reproductive harm.

Air Quality Has Been Worse

Although it still ranked fairly high, the air quality has improved. The worst period on record for ozone in Houston was from 1997 to 1999 when there was a weighted average of 110 days of unhealthy air. This year average of 26.7 days. While Houston no longer tops the list for the most polluted the progress that helped improve air quality back in the late 1990s has stalled.

More Can Be Done

The latest numbers demonstrate air pollution is getting better but more needs to be done. There may still be some initiatives in place to help improve air quality, but the momentum has declined. Fortunately, there are a variety of things that individuals and businesses can do to help remedy this issue. Contact us to find out how you can help improve air quality.

The Protected Waters Debate

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 17:55:00 GMT

The Trump Administration’s redefinition of protected waters is reheating the battle over protected waters and state’s rights versus federal rights. This was expected as the debate has been ongoing since the enactment of the Clean Water Act of 1972, and President Donald Trump made throwing out the rule part of his campaign platform.

The Clean Water Act of 1972

The Clean Water Act was enacted to protect the uses of and eliminate discharges of toxic pollutants to lakes and rivers. However, the scope of the law was vague and different federal administrations and different states have interpreted it in different ways. Some believed that the provisions of the law covered every water body including all wetlands, ponds and small ditches. Other administrations interpreted the protection to cover only large wetlands, streams and lakes.

The Supreme Court’s Ruling

Sorting out which waterbodies are protected under the CWA eventually was given to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2006 the court failed to reach an agreement and issued an opinion that the Clean Water Act’s protection should apply only to waters with a “significant nexus” to navigable waters.

Waters of the United States

In 2015 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued the Waters of United States rule to define which water bodies would be regulated by the federal government. It clarified for all that Clean Water Act protection covers small wetlands and streams that are dry most of the time. WOTUS was meant to limit pollution in the nation’s rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands by expanding federal jurisdiction over tributaries.

What Redefining Protected Waters Means

Redefining protected waters has various pros and cons. One benefit, for the first time in history, there would be a clear definition of the difference between federally protected waterways and state protected waterways. On the other hand, nationwide, over half of wetlands would lose protection, and in Texas, the 80 percent of stream miles that dry up at least part of the year would lose protection.

Want to Know More?

The Clean Water Act is widely regarded as the most successful environmental legislation in U.S. history, and removing water protections could be very short-sighted and dangerous to places like the Houston area which are subject to tropical storms and hurricanes. If you’d like to know more about protected waters and how the proposition for a new definition affects you, contact us today.

The AL Law Group is Getting in Front of A.I. Developments

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 20:40:00 GMT

Through developments in artificial intelligence technology, business problems can be more efficiently solved. The technology is already providing benefits in data processing by reducing the time it takes and improving the accuracy of the results. Combined with big data, artificial intelligence can get the answers that are needed more efficiently than if done by humans. It also provides higher accuracy in performing its tasks because the possibility of human errors is removed and, unlike a regular computer program, artificial intelligence has the ability to learn from its mistakes and improve.

Combining Human Expertise with Technology

The AL Law Group is being innovative and getting in front of the artificial intelligence developments. We understand the great benefits that this technology can provide and wouldn’t miss a chance to utilize the latest developments. The technology helps us to better assist our clients with providing them with the answers that they need on environmental law.

We work with our own artificial intelligence technology, CERES, to help provide our clients with the solutions they need. We bring human expertise to the accuracy and efficiency provided by artificial intelligence. By utilizing the technology, the AL Law Group is able to improve the environmental and legal consulting we provide to our clients. We will continue to be innovative and stay on top of the technologies so that we can bring the benefits to you, our client.

A.I. Enhanced Legal and Environmental Consulting Services with CERES™

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 20:15:00 GMT

AL Law Group works to provide simple and innovative environmental solutions. CERES is one of the greatest simple and innovative environmental solutions, and it was created at AL Law Group.

What is CERES?

CERES is a tool for the next generation environmental practitioner. CERES utilizes big data, artificial intelligence, and the subject matter expertise training of experienced legal and consulting practitioners to deliver improved environmental professional performance.

Contact AL Law Group to Learn About CERES

Ready to propel your business forward? Give us a call today!

CERES does not provide legal or technical advice or assistance on its own. We work with CERES to provide the solutions you need. We can provide you with innovative environmental solutions that fit your company. Please contact the AL Law Group today for more information.

Houston-Based Cheniere Energy Expansion

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 15:57:00 GMT

Houston-based Cheniere Energy recently announced that they are beginning their expansion in Corpus Christi. Their liquified natural gas export terminal in Corpus Christi will have a train. Learn more.

Established Partnership with BHGE

BHGE supplied turbines and compressors for the first two LNG processing units currently in Corpus Christi, and they will supply turbines and compressors for the new units as well.

“Our technology provides the necessary refrigeration gas needed to chill the natural gas into liquid form for transportation. This award builds on the unparalleled technology experience and partnership established between Cheniere, Bechtel, and BHGE,” said Rod Christie, president, and CEO of Turbomachinery & Process Solutions for BHGE in a recent press release.

You can learn more about the Houston-based company’s oil & gas expansion, here:

Innovative Environmental Solutions for Oil & Gas Expansion

Innovative environmental solutions are needed for today’s industry expansion, and that includes oil & gas. At AL Law Group, we provide innovative environmental solutions for oil & gas expansion.

One-Stop Environmental Services

AL Law Group provides efficient and effective solutions for each and every one of our clients. To learn more about our innovative, multidisciplinary approach to environmental services, contact the AL Law Group today .

Navigating Financial Struggle in the Energy Industry

Thu, 24 May 2018 16:51:00 GMT

The Houston Business Journal recently discussed how Houston-based energy company, Yuma Energy, is looking to make the best financial changes needed to improve business. Changes include compliance updates and strategic working-capital alternatives, among other changes being decided upon.

Houston Energy Industry Strategic Efforts

Said the Houston Business Journal, “the company is working on strategic alternatives regarding its limited liquidity, debt-covenant compliance and working-capital needs.”

Yuma Energy is an independent exploration and production company. The Houston-based company focuses its efforts on southeastern Texas, central and southern Louisiana, and, more recently, Yoakum County, Texas.

Expert Greater Houston Energy Industry Solutions

Simple, easy-to-navigate, and expert solutions are needed for oil & gas, chemical plants, as well as any other industrial services in Greater Houston. AL Law Group provides the right solutions required for the Greater Houston energy industry, and more. Our clients are high-performing and innovating, and we are high-performing and innovating for every one of our clients.

One-Stop Environmental Financial Solutions

We work hard to ensure that each one of their clients has the means to provide the best quality business that they can offer. Our one-stop environmental services include the minds of consultants, lawyers, as well as GR/PR experts. To learn more about AL Law Group innovative, multidisciplinary approach to environmental services, contact the AL Law Group today

Simplicity and Innovation Benefits All Industries

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 18:10:00 GMT

“That’s been one of my mantras — focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: you have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains,” said Steve Jobs.

Focus and Simplicity at AL Law Group

We all know that Steve Jobs was an excellent problem solver and made complicated things simple. At AL Law Group PLLC, focus and simplicity is our mantra as well. We strive to provide simpler, more innovative, cost-effective, and overall better environmental solutions for each and every one of our clients. Our clients include a range of industrial, chemical, and energy clients in the Port Houston area and throughout the great State of Texas.

Simpler Compliance Strategies at AL Law Group

Our one-stop environmental services include the minds of consultants, lawyers, as well as GR/PR experts. We work hard to simplify service and requirements for each and every one of their clients so that they have the means to provide the best quality business that they can provide.

Simple and Innovative Environmental Solutions

AL Law Group provides simple, expert solutions for oil and gas, chemical plants, and more. To learn more about our innovative, multidisciplinary approach to environmental services, contact the AL Law Group today .

Schlumberger’s New Joint Venture

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 19:47:00 GMT

Schlumberger announced recently that it plans to offer improved deepwater service integration via a joint venture with Subsea 7. A “subsea integration alliance” was previously formed between Schlumberger and Subsea 7 in 2015, and this latest venture will provide fully-integrated services and excellent improvements.

One-Stop-Shop for Offshore Oil & Gas

The joint venture is expected to operate primarily in Houston. Schlumberger, which operates out of Houston, Port of Houston, and surrounding areas, expects to become “a one-stop-shop for offshore oil and gas producers worldwide,” according to the Houston Chronicle.

Subsea 7 CEO Jean Cahuzac told the Houston Chronicle that the joint venture “will build on the success of Subsea Integration Alliance to provide our clients with the best solutions and services on an integrated basis… We are looking forward to strengthening our collaboration with Schlumberger and extending our range of innovative solutions and technologies to drive industry progress.”

Learn More About Houston Oil & Gas Ventures

Read more here about local oil and gas joint ventures: chron.com/business/energy/article/Schlumberger-and-Subsea-7-plan-new-joint-venture-12703571.php

AL Law Group is Ready to Serve You

Our world is constantly changing. There will always be new chemical and energy building projects to help benefit the local community of Deer Park, and beyond. At AL Law group, we are constantly striving for improvements while only looking forward. Our clients are high-performing and innovating, and we are high-performing and innovating for each and every one of our clients.

One-Stop Environmental Services

AL Law group is comprised of consultants, lawyers, as well as GR/PR experts. We provide simple and cost-effective solutions for our clients. To learn more about our innovative, multidisciplinary approach to environmental services, contact the AL Law Group today .

Welcoming New Petrochemical Neighbors

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 16:16:17 GMT

DCT PetroPort Industrial Park and Houston-based Leader Gasket Technologies are expected to move into the Port Houston-area industrial park that is owned by DCT Industrial Trust Inc. The move is expected as soon as within the next several weeks.

Petrochemical Growth and Significant Projects

“The city’s petrochemical industry is undoubtedly in growth-mode, and with several significant projects set to come online in the coming years,” said the Houston Business Journal.

Working with Land-Constrained Submarkets

Petrochemical growth remains strong. That being said, Port Houston remains one of the city’s most land-constrained submarkets.

“In my 15-year development career, I’ve encountered only one site that rivals the complexity of the PetroPort project,” said Justin Bennett, Senior Vice President at DCT. “As with any speculative project, there were certainly peaks and valleys.”

Read more about our new neighbors, here: bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/02/20/exclusive-spec-industrial-park-near-port-houston.html

Deer Park Industrial Facility Achievements

Sun, 25 Feb 2018 15:49:00 GMT

Deer Park industrial facilities were reviewed by the Deer Park Community Advisory Council for their 2017 and 2018 achievements and goals. The focus was on oil and gas and chemical and energy facility growth.

Improved Occupational Safety and Healthcare Administration Recordable Rates

Many companies had an Occupational Safety and Healthcare Administration recordable rates of 0.00, meaning those work environments had recorded no injuries and were in effect safe and productive.

“In 2017, Evonik, Intercontinental Terminals, Oxy Vinyls Deer Park, Valvoline and Vopak Terminal had recordable rates of 0.00. Oxy Vinyls Deer Park was recertified as an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program site. Intercontinental Terminals was accepted into the VPP Challenge program and continues towards VPP certification in 2020. Dow Deer Park ended the year with a 0.15 recordable rate,” shared InsideDP.com.

Other companies rates were recorded at 0.15 to 0.95, and have all declined through:

Plant improvements
Employee engagement
Improved awareness

Deer Park Petrochemical and Energy Facility Growth

Read more here about local industrial facilities’ achievements: insidedp.com/news3/5193-industrial-facilities-make-annual-state-of-the-plants-report

Houston’s Industrial Economic Growth

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 16:08:00 GMT

Houston is consistently brimming with industrial, oil and gas, chemical, and energy facility and economic growth in Port Houston and surrounding regions. This growth includes small businesses growing rapidly in the in the area as well.

Houston Industrial Construction Growth

“In 2017, Port Houston completed more than $200 million worth of construction contracts for port terminals,” recently shared Port Houston.

Industrial Construction and Design Opportunities

Earlier in February, Port Houston’s Small Business and Education Outreach Department organized and held one of many industry forums for small businesses. Growing opportunities within industrial construction and design projects in the area were discussed at the Capital Projects forum with over 300 small business owners attending.

You can read more about the Capital Projects forum, here: blog.porthouston.com/ports-small-business-industry-forum-highlights-port-construction-and-design-projects

Port Houston Encounters Among Heaviest Energy Equipment

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 22:05:00 GMT

A 294-ton pressure vessel was carefully transported to a nearby barge on Wednesday to a local petrochemical plant. It is one of the largest vessels that Port Houston has encountered, and its transportation all went very well.

Record-Setting Energy Facility Imports

Port Houston energy facilities reported record-setting import growth in 2017. Such cargo helped meet those goals.

“The fact that we’re able to handle this tremendous growth in cargo is significant… and we’re planning to stay ahead of the demand curve with our facilities so we can capture this growth,” said Roger Guenther, Executive Director of Port Houston.

We are excited to see what is to come!

More about energy facility growth with Port Houston : https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Port-handles-an-extra-heavy-load-12541513.php

Port Houston is Irreplaceable

Thu, 01 Feb 2018 19:52:00 GMT

We marvel at how Port Houston was able to quickly get up and running again after the devastation that was Hurricane Harvey. Our neighbors are hard workers who understand that Port Houston is irreplaceable in helping meet global shipping demand.

Port Houston Continues to Meet Global Shipping Demand

“A port like ours requires vision, dedication, and partnership everyday,” Longoria said, speaking to delegates at the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region’s annual Gulf Coast Industry Forum, held recently in Pasadena, Texas. “And if anyone beyond our region needed a reminder of the importance of our port and our ship channel, Harvey certainly underscored what could happen if this channel is not appropriately preserved.”

Read more about Port Houston’s hard-working resilience : http://www.bicmagazine.com/industry-segments/offshore-marine-subsection/longoria-port-houston-is-u-s-’s-‘irreplaceable-port’/

Port Houston Profits from Heightened Import Demands

Thu, 11 Jan 2018 20:57:00 GMT

As neighbors to Port Houston , we couldn’t help but notice an increase in retail imports paired with strong local economic growth. Growth seems to have been at the strongest since 2008. On top of that, the Port Houston area is seemingly experiencing the lowest unemployment rate in nearly two decades.

“Port Houston estimates that it handled a record 2.4 million standard containers – known as 20-foot equivalent units – in 2017, the first full year after completion of the canal’s $5.3 billion expansion. The total rose 14 percent from the prior year, driven largely by a stronger Texas economy and an increase in consumer goods imported from Asia,” shared the Houston Chronicle.

Economic Growth in the Greater Houston Area

According to Patrick Jankowski, Economist for the Greater Houston Partnership, “increase in imports would not have occurred if wasn’t for strong economic growth.”

This increase in retail imports mostly occurred to meet holiday demands, but the increase is keeping strong into the new year. Meeting these increased demands was especially possible after the Panama Canal expansion, which was completed in June of 2016.

“The canal has made a huge difference for us. We are continuing to build to keep up with demand,” said Ricky Kunz, the Port Houston Chief Commercial Officer.

You can read more here about increasing Port Houston demands:

houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Port-Houston-benefit-from-stronger-retail-demand-12482958.php

Disaster Preparedness is Important for Any Business

Tue, 19 Dec 2017 22:35:00 GMT

Businesses must consider that any number of tragedies can occur and greatly affect business. It is important to have a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan to ensure that the best possible business is provided, at all times.

Tackling Unique Disaster Challenges

All businesses face unique challenges when preparing for adverse conditions. How to best tackle issues that arise during and after an event varies per business as well. Environmental and regulatory standards must be met and addressed alongside employee wellness and production concerns. And while a unique comprehensive natural disaster preparedness plan is needed to protect business success, natural disasters are difficult to plan for because they are unpredictable.

According to the Houston Business Journal, “one frequently omitted item that a comprehensive natural disaster preparedness plan for any business must include is speaking with a business lawyer to help you anticipate, plan for and address related issues impacting your business.”

Address the Issues Unique to Your Business

Having an attorney on your side is your best bet in disaster preparedness. The right attorney will address all of the issues that are unique to your business. “Including your attorney in this planning process will help minimize the implications of a natural disaster to your business, your employees, your strategic partners and your customers,” according to the Houston Business Journal.

You can learn more about natural disaster preparedness via the Houston Business Journal:
https://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/human-resources/2017/10/natural-disaster-preparedness-checklist-must.html

Legal Services with AL Law Group

The AL Law Group offers traditional legal services, as well as transdisciplinary and investment services. Businesses require additional intellectual and capital investment to help move them forward, and the AL Law Group is here to help you. Contact us today for more information.

Navigating New Expansion, Plants, and Infrastructure in Texas

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 17:43:00 GMT

Texas is experiencing a natural gas boom, and as a result, a range of petrochemical projects are occurring in the area. Projects include new plastics, ethylene, and ethane plants that all must qualify for environmental permits in order to operate.

New Chemical Plants and Infrastructure in Texas

New chemical plants are nearing completion throughout the state of Texas. These plants are a part of 2017’s first wave of major petrochemical projects. According to BIC Magazine, “U.S. major petrochemical projects to emerge from the natural gas boom are reaching their final stages of production just as the second wave of the building begins.”

Projects Delayed by Hurricane Harvey are Nearing Completion

The widespread damage caused by Hurricane Harvey is being managed, and preventative measures for future storms are being set. An array of new chemical plants and infrastructure awaits throughout Texas, including the Greater Houston area. This first wave of expansion includes the following companies and projects:

DowDuPont ethylene and plastics plants in Freeport, Texas
Occidental Petroleum and Mexichem ethane processing plant near Corpus Christi
Chevron Phillips Chemical ethane processing plant in Old Ocean
Exxon Mobil ethane processing plant in Mont Belvieu
And more plastic and chemical plants in East End Houston

Learn More About Major Petrochemical Projects Reaching Completion

You can learn more about 2017’s first wave of major U.S. petrochemical projects reaching completion: http://www.bicmagazine.com/departments/maintenance-reliability-subsection/pu_6/

Environmental Permits and Authorizations for New Projects

Environmental permits and authorizations can take years, causing many difficulties. Expenses resulting from pending authorizations may reach millions of dollars, depending on the project.

Environmental Permit Aid with AL Law Group

The AL Law Group has helped companies and projects of all sizes, including helping billion-dollar facilities obtain authorization as well as many thousand dollar facilities. We help clients identify potential means in order to reduce authorization time and costs . Contact us today to schedule a case review.

Potential Hurricane Harvey Contaminants in Galveston Bay

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 18:01:00 GMT

The Houston Chronicle reports that researchers are testing Galveston Bay for contaminants released by Hurricane Harvey. Researchers from Texas A&M University’s Galveston campus quickly started testing to determine the flood’s impact after the hurricane had passed.They enlisted the help of students and without dedicated federal funding.

The report shares that “water samples taken in recent weeks will be used to test for sewage, pharmaceuticals, metals and other chemicals, for example, that may have reached the bay because of Harvey.”

Carcinogen Leaks from the San Jacinto Waste Pits

The report also discussed that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency determined that Hurricane Harvey caused the release of dioxin from local San Jacinto waste pits. Dioxin is among the most potent human carcinogens.

Wastewater and Chemical Plants Reported Spills

Concern over raw sewage and chemicals reaching Galveston Bay due to Hurricane Harvey was also discussed. Raw sewage was released into several parts of the Greater Houston area, and chemical spills were reported from several plants within the past month.

Raw Sewage Released Due to Hurricane Harvey

“More than 30 million gallons were released in Harris and Fort Bend counties, some of which could have made its way into the bay. According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, another 106 million gallons were released in Jefferson County, where it could flow directly into the Gulf of Mexico,” according to the report.

Over 100 Report Chemical Spills Post Hurricane Harvey

Many plants are still considered inoperable due to damages sustained from Hurricane Harvey. The Houston Chronicle also shared that locally “more than 100 companies, including Valero Energy, Exxon Mobil and Arkema, had reported chemical spills as of last month, according to U.S. Coast Guard data.”

Learn More About Potential Contaminants in Galveston Bay

You can learn more here about Hurricane Harvey-caused contaminants in Galveston Bay: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/texas/article/Galveston-Bay-being-tested-for-possible-Harvey-12252069.php

Was Your Property Damaged Due to Hurricane Harvey?

The AL Law Group may be able to help you recover deserved compensation if your property sustained environmental damages due to flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. We work to provide the highest quality one-stop environmental legal representation in Texas at about half the cost of traditional, large law firms. Contact us today for more information.