Spencer Fane was honored to serve as a Co-Sponsor for one of the networking sessions at the SME Minnesota Conference on April 7-9 in Virginia, Minnesota. Attorneys Karen Olson and Megan Early-Soppa represented the firm at the event and also served as conference speakers across three presentations.
The SME Minnesota Conference highlights the developments, technology, trends, and innovations directly affecting the heart of the Iron Range. Featuring a wide variety of technical sessions and industry thought leaders, combined with interactive networking opportunities and a robust Exhibit Hall, the SME Minnesota Conference is a premier event for mining professionals.
On April 9, Karen first led the session, Reining in Federal Agency Action in Regulatory Programs. This presentation explored a series of recent federal court decisions that shift power from federal administrative agencies to courts. Karen examined what these changes mean for the regulated party and how state regulatory authorities have reacted.
Next, Megan presented State Dredge and Fill Programs After the Sackett Decision. This reviewed the development of state-based programs for dredge and fill requirements following the Supreme Court’s May 2023 decision in Sackett limiting federal jurisdiction of “waters of the U.S.,” which has led Minnesota, Colorado, and other states to try and “fill the gaps” for waters left outside the purview of federal jurisdiction.
Finally, the team concluded their thought leadership at this year’s SME Minnesota Conference by leading the session, WOTUS – The Supreme Court’s Impact and Where Are We Now? The presentation centered on two landmark rulings that redefined what constitutes a WOTUS and discussed the current rulemaking by the EPA and the Corps.
Learn more about this year’s conference here.