Announcements, information and updates from the AG Alliance Members and Associates
September 2, 2021
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The Attorney General Alliance, along with co-hosts and Immediate Past Chairs Attorneys General Wayne Stenehjem of North Dakota and Hector Balderas of New Mexico, hosted attendees for the North Dakota Energy Summit in Medora from August 30 to September 1. |
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Since the Industrial Revolution, energy has become perhaps our most important resource, now powering nearly all industries and economies around the world. This bipartisan gathering highlighted energies like oil, gas, wind, and solar power, and discussed the importance of energy awareness, conservation and environmental sustainability through human-centered approaches and technological solutions. Attorneys General are well-positioned to create policies, regulations, and strategies for energy conservation. Through collaboration and meaningful engagement, attendees shared and discussed new solutions and ways to enhance the wellbeing of our communities and citizens moving forward. |
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The Summit kicked off with an opening reception at the historic Rough Riders Hotel, where North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem welcomed the group.
Three other Attorneys General joined for this summit, including Rokita (IN), Balderas (NM) and Ravnsborg (SD), and staff from Kentucky, Montana and Texas.
On August 30, Keynote Speaker, Wendy Ross, Superintendent of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park gave an enlightening presentation, followed by a performance by Joe Wiegand, who gave a vivid rendition of President Teddy Roosevelt’s life. The evening concluded with entertainment by magician, Colin Zasadny.
On August 31, the summit began with a strong panel discussion with speakers R. Hewitt Pate, General Counsel of Chevron, Kathleen Neset, Owner & Geologist of Neset Consulting Service and Lynn Helms, Director of the North Dakota Department of
Mineral Resources. The panel was followed by a site tour through Roosevelt National Park, Dickinson Refinery and a local drilling rig. The evening concluded with dinner and the famed Medora Musical.
On September 1, we wrapped with a roundtable discussion led by Attorney General Stenehjem, featuring John Harju, the Vice President for Strategic Partnerships from the Energy & Environmental Research Center, and Julie Fedorchak, Chair & Commissioner with the North Dakota Public Service Commission. On behalf of the AGA and our participating Attorneys General, thank you to all who attend this successful event!
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AGA Africa: Looking for Experts to Join Virtual Trainings
Since our inception in 2016, the Africa Alliance Partnership has trained African legal
officers and prosecutors in the investigation and prosecution of transnational crimes
including Human Trafficking, Money Laundering, Counterfeit Drugs, Cyber Crime, and
Wildlife Trafficking.
We are currently working with government partners in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria,
Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia, and are set to establish more partnerships
throughout Africa.
UPCOMING VIRTUAL OPPORTUNITIES
September 21 - 23, Malawi
Asset Forfeiture for Investigators and Prosecutors
September 22, South Africa
Producing Strategic Intelligence
September 24 - 15, Malawi
The Asset Forfeiture Regime – Harnessing the necessary strategies and Skills for the effective recovery of tainted property
October 6 - 7, Malawi
Crimes Related to New Payment Methods
October 25, Kenya
Election Dispute Resolution and Hate Speech
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CONSUMER PROTECTION
Severe Weather and Natural Disasters
Attorneys General frequently share alerts and protect consumers against price gauging during storms, hurricanes, wildfires and other instances of sever weather or natural disaster. In their role as chief legal officer, AGs often remind their residents that price gouging is illegal during a state of emergency.
Hurricane Ida this week ravaged through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, where Attorney General Steve Marshall warned those living in Ida's path to be aware of price gouging. Because severe weather creates opportunity for fraudsters to take advantage of those desperate for relief, the Attorney General also flagged potential scams and fraud during storm damage cleanup, repair and rebuilding.
AGA works toward fostering strong public and private sector efforts, including sharing support for those impacted by severe weather. Our partners at Lowe's, along with donating $2 million to support relief efforts, are helping customers prepare for Hurricane Ida by providing essential supplies for communities that fall directly in the storm's path.
Texas Attorney General Paxton's office worked to finalize a settlement against Griddy Energy, LLC. The company profited from Winter Storm Uri, when many Texans were left without power and heat. The settlement releases former Griddy customers from any and all outstanding balances otherwise due and owing to Griddy.
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WORKER PROTECTION
As a result of COVID-19, many businesses have been forced to close or file for bankruptcy, often resulting in losses for former employees. State Attorneys General often fights to protect the rights of former and current workers, especially related to financial issues.
Vermont Attorney General Donovan filed a brief, fighting for the rights of former employees of a local bakery. When creditors filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition against the bakery, this resulted in a delay of $838,299 of paid-time-off (PTO) to former employees. In its motion, AG Donovan's office argued that the PTO should not be considered part of the bankruptcy case and should be paid now.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR ONGOING SOCIAL JUSTICE & EQUITY INITIATIVES
Over the last year, communities across the country have assessed their treatment of minorities and other under-represented populations. In an effort to facilitate dialogue in the Attorney General community, Amazon and the Attorney General Alliance have partnered to create a series of conversations exploring issues around justice and social equity. We are excited to announce 2021 as the inaugural year of this forum and we look forward to providing focused programing aimed at facilitating exploration of these issues. We thank Amazon for their leadership and invite all of our public and private partners join us as we embark on these discussions.
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Missed our live programs? No problem! Follow the button below to visit our Virtual Library for access to all recordings.
Do you have a webinar topic suggestion? We want to hear from you! Please email ideas to Andrea Friedman at AFriedman@AGAlliance.org. |
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CWAG Executive Committee
- AG Phil Weiser - AG Jason Ravnsborg -
- AG Aaron Ford - AG Wayne Stenehjem -
AG Alliance Co-Chairs
- AG Lawrence Wasden - AG Sean Reyes - AG Karl Racine -
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