NewsWire

EPA's Failure to Follow Own Policies Led to Texas Lawsuit
The genesis of Texas' lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency regarding findings that greenhouse gases endanger human health was in the EPA's failure to abide by its own policies, according to Houston-based attorney Richard O. Faulk. "Instead of following its own rules, which require an objective and independent evaluation of the scientific basis for climate change, the EPA, in its rush to regulate, deferred to the United Nation's assessment without critical analysis - including the studies recently shown to be unreliable," says Faulk, chair of the firmwide Litigation Department at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP. He stresses that the EPA's policies are a "fiscal dead end," pointing to a new study released today by the Texas Public Policy Foundation that shows EPA's regulations will disastrously impact Texas industry and jobs. To interview Mr. Faulk, contact Rhonda Reddick at 800-559-4534 or rhonda@androvett.com.

Recent Snowstorms Bringing Flurry of Insurance Disputes
Along with layers of snow, one of the worst winters in recent memory is sure to bring an avalanche of insurance disputes over property damage, says Houston attorney Phillip Sanov, head of The Lanier Law Firm's Bad Faith Insurance Practice Group. The two most common snow damage claims stem from leaky roofs and flooding from broken water pipes. "Insurance carriers will try to deny the vast majority of these claims, but home and business owners can take a few steps to be ready," says Sanov, who recommends preserving all evidence of damage, like taking photos or video, to help prevent claims of pre-existing conditions or insufficient proof. In many instances, insurers make the decision to resolve claims only after being faced with legal action, Sanov says. To interview Mr. Sanov, contact Alan Bentrup at 800-559-4534 or alan@androvett.com.

Divorce and Custody Battles Increasingly Involve Social Media Networks
The time-tested vow for married couples to stay together "until death do us part," is increasingly colliding with social media networks. Family law attorney Brad LaMorgese of Dallas-based McCurley Orsinger McCurley Nelson & Downing says Web sites such as Facebook provide wayward spouses an easy way to rekindle with former flames, while online communications create digital trails of deceit. And after a breakup, couples often tussle over who gets to maintain shared networks of online friends and acquaintances. "Social media is becoming really relevant to our practice," says LaMorgese. "We see people trying to lock their spouses out of their online networks. We'll get discovery to see what they've done to their pages and find that they're posting updates about their new boyfriends or girlfriends while they're still married." To interview Mr. LaMorgese, contact Robert Tharp at 800-559-4534 or robert@androvett.com.

Toyota's Ongoing Problems Should Worry Buyers
First it was floor mats, then gas pedals and brakes. Now power steering has Toyota considering another recall. As the company prepares to put "fixed" cars back on the market after temporarily halting some sales, Corpus Christi, Texas, attorney Bob Hilliard urges caution. "Toyota seems to announce a new problem every week, so I have little faith when they say they've fixed all the problems." While the company has focused on physical and mechanical causes for the out-of-control cars, Hilliard, who represents several people hurt in Toyota accidents, says their investigations show alternative causes. "Our clients say something else went wrong, and we believe electrical issues, including faulty electronic throttle controls, are the true culprit." To interview Mr. Hilliard, contact Alan Bentrup at 800-559-4534 or alan@androvett.com.

Former President of Peru to Speak in Houston
Dr. Alejandro Toledo, the former president of Peru, will speak March 3 at a World Affairs Council of Houston event sponsored by Thompson & Knight. Dr. Toledo, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, will speak on the evolving social, economic and political conditions in Latin America. "Peru is seeing one of the strongest economic growth periods in its history, a trend which many trace to the policies implemented during Dr. Toledo's presidency," says Dallas Parker, managing partner of Thompson & Knight's Houston office. "His experience and insight in contributing to a strong and vibrant economy already have had and are expected to continue to have major implications for businesses doing business in Peru and Latin America." To attend the event at Thompson & Knight's offices or discuss arranging an interview with Dr. Toledo, contact Alan Bentrup at 800-559-4534 or alan@androvett.com.