CHPS of Insight: Policy to Practice

CHPS of Insight Episode 11: Navigating Carbon Capture in Louisiana | Challenges and Opportunities

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of CHPS of Insight, host Chris White speaks with Clark Hill Senior Counsel Colleen Jarrott and Onterris Energy and Critical Infrastructure Market Leader Ray Cheatham about carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) development in Louisiana.

The conversation centers on the ongoing moratorium on new Class VI applications, originally intended as a short pause while regulators reviewed roughly 34 pending applications. They discuss Louisiana’s advantages - industrial emitters, existing CO2 pipeline/EOR history, geology, and workforce - while emphasizing safety, permitting rigor, public opposition, and best practices such as strong pore space leases, early community engagement, and regulator relationships.

This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice or a solicitation to provide legal services. The information in this podcast is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship. Listeners should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel. The views and opinions expressed in the podcast represent those of the individual speaker only and are not necessarily the views of Clark Hill PLC.

CHPS of Insight Episode 10: Cybersecurity and the Defense Industry

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of CHPS of Insight, host Ron Sullivan speaks with David Fraley of Secure IT Service Management to discuss the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), ongoing compliance obligations for Department of Defense contractors, and The Department of Defense pausing the Phase 2 requirement tying contract eligibility to C3PAO certifications.

Together, they explore industry concerns about cost, limited assessment capacity, low compliance across the defense industrial base, and increased legal risk from misrepresenting SPRS submissions under the updated CMMC reporting tab.

CHPS of Insight Episode 9: The Tariff Refund Portal is Now Live | What Importers Need to Know About the Filing Process

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0400

In the latest episode of CHPS of Insight, host Chris White sits down with Kelsey Christensen from Clark Hill’s International Trade practice to discuss the CAPE Portal, launched on April 20th, allowing importers to submit IEEPA tariff refund requests.

The new CAPE Portal, created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, is open for importers and customs brokers to submit refund requests for certain imported goods. Kelsey breaks down the technical requirements like who can file, what the submission process looks like, and navigating dual validation checks while highlighting practical issues importers and brokers are encountering in real time. The discussion also looks ahead to when importers can expect refunds to be issued and highlights future phases of the refund program for entries not yet eligible.

For more information, visit Clark Hill's Tariff Refund Claims page.

CHPS of Insight Episode 8: What the Supreme Court's Tariff Decision Means for Environmental Regulation

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400

In the latest episode of CHPS of Insight, host Chris White sits down with Jerry D. Worsham II from Clark Hill’s Environmental & Natural Resources practice to discuss how the recent Supreme Court tariff decision could affect environmental regulation.

Although the case focused on tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Court relied heavily on the major questions doctrine to reach its conclusion. Jerry explains why environmental lawyers immediately took notice. The doctrine first emerged in environmental cases with West Virginia v. EPA, and the tariff ruling reinforces the Court’s willingness to limit agency authority when Congress has not clearly delegated power. The discussion also examines how this reasoning could influence future disputes involving EPA authority.

CHPS Podcast Episode 7: After IEEPA – What’s Next for Tariffs?

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0500

In Episode 7 of CHPS of Insight, Chris White welcomes back Kelsey J. Christensen, a Member with Clark Hill's International Trade group, to discuss the Supreme Court’s decision striking down tariffs imposed under IEEPA.

The ruling removes the legal basis for the administration’s reciprocal tariffs and certain country-specific tariffs tied to the fentanyl emergency. Kelsey walks through what that means for companies that paid those duties, including why many importers may be entitled to refunds and how the customs liquidation timeline could affect recovery options. They also examine what tools remain available to the administration to reimpose tariffs and how new trade investigations could quickly reset the tariff environment for U.S. importers.

CHPS Podcast Episode 6: Analyzing Michigan's Budget Process

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of CHPS of Insight, host Chris White sits down with Brad Williams and Brian O’Connell from Clark Hill Public Strategies’ Lansing team to unpack Michigan’s state budget process: what happened this year, why it took longer than expected, and what it means for Michigan businesses and organizations.

With decades of combined experience in state government, economic development, and public policy, Brad and Brian share an insider’s perspective on the political dynamics shaping this year’s budget negotiations and how new transparency initiatives and leadership changes in Lansing have affected the process. They also discuss key funding decisions impacting infrastructure, transit, education, and healthcare, as well as Michigan’s new road funding plan. Whether you’re a business, nonprofit, or public entity operating in Michigan, this episode offers timely insight into how to engage effectively with policymakers and stay informed on the state budget decisions shaping your organization’s future.

CHPS Podcast Episode 5: The Future of Federal Procurement

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join host Chris White in the latest episode of CHPS of Insight as he speaks with Ron Sullivan, a Senior Counsel in Clark Hill's Government Contracts practice and a Senior Director of Clark Hill Public Strategies. Ron shares insights from his extensive background in federal government service and discusses the transition from working with the Army Futures Command to assisting clients on the other side of federal procurement. The discussion explores trends in rapid acquisition, the growing involvement of small and non-traditional businesses in government contracts, and expected changes under FAR 2.0. Chris and Ron examine how these developments are shaping federal procurement and what businesses, particularly non-traditional or small businesses, can do to stay competitive.

CHPS Podcast Episode 4: Tariffs and Trade Impact

Thu, 22 May 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Join Chris White on the latest episode of CHPS of Insight as he chats with Kelsey J. Christensen, an attorney with Clark Hill's International Trade group and a Director of Clark Hill Public Strategies. This episode delves into the intricacies of tariffs, exploring their history, legal foundation, and the impact of recent changes introduced by the current administration. Learn about the role of national security, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and the ripple effects on products like steel, aluminum, and oil. Discover how foreign trade zones function within this framework and get insights into the strategies companies can use to manage their import duties amidst evolving policies. This discussion provides essential information for businesses to navigate the nuances of tariffs effectively.

Read the Clark Hill International Trade group’s news alert on FTZ, Death of foreign trade zones? (published May 5, 2025)

CHPS Podcast Episode 3: Unlocking America's Mineral Potential

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Join host Chris White in the latest episode of CHPS of Insight as he converses with Nicole Rogers, Senior Director at Clark Hill Public Strategies and President of the Alliance for Mineral Security. Dive into the intricate world of critical minerals policy, the importance of rare earth elements to modern technology and national security, and the implications of recent executive orders aimed at boosting American mineral production. Learn about the challenges of the current supply chain, the dominance of foreign powers in mineral processing, and the importance of reshoring manufacturing capabilities. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the policies shaping the future of critical minerals and their impact on the U.S. economy and infrastructure.

CHPS Podcast Episode 2: Bitcoin in the Halls of Power

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0500

In this episode of 'CHPS of Insight,' host Chris White sits down with Bryan Jacoutot, Senior Director of Clark Hill Public Strategies and Clark Hill Economics, to discuss the U.S. federal and state approaches to Bitcoin and cryptocurrency regulation. This episode delves into the impact of current government policies on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency markets, discussing the implications of executive orders and legislative actions such as the Bitcoin Act and FIT21. They also explore the potential establishment of a strategic Bitcoin reserve by the U.S. government as well as state-level Bitcoin reserve proposals. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis on how these developments may shape the future of digital assets.

CHPS Podcast Episode 1: Mapping the Current Administrative Landscape

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500

In this inaugural episode of ''CHPS of Insight," host Chris White of Clark Hill welcomes Bret Wacker, Clark Hill Law Member and Managing Director of Clark Hill Public Strategies. They discuss the podcast's format and the outlook for 2025 under the new administration. The conversation covers a range of topics including regulatory and policy changes, executive orders, DEI initiatives, trade and tariffs, and national security issues related to government contracts and regulatory practices. They also touch on President Trump's early actions and their potential impacts on various sectors, including energy and cryptocurrency. Join them for a deep dive into today's rapidly evolving legal and political landscapes.