A complex set of environmental requirements applies to international transactions. In the age of a global economy, companies with foreign operations seeking to manage their global environmental risk effectively must understand current developments in international environmental treaties and codes of conduct as well as rapidly changing environmental law in host countries. For example, exports of chemicals from the United States to a member of the European Union are subject both to TSCA and other U.S. transportation and regulatory requirements as well as to the European Union Directive on the Classification, Packaging, and Labeling of Dangerous Substances. Morgan Lewis, with a worldwide network of offices, is well-positioned to assist our clients in identifying the environmental issues involved in international business transactions.

• Counseling our clients on environmental issues arising in acquisitions, financings, and other business transactions in Europe.
• Participating in environmental activities of the European Union through members of our Brussels, Frankfurt, and London offices.
• Advising clients doing business in Eastern Europe on (1) environmental requirements of foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures; (2) environmental conditions included in loans from the Bank for European Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank; and (3) environmental provisions imposed under export and investment incentives from the U.S. Export-Import Bank and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
• Advising U.S. companies doing business in Asia and the Pacific Rim on international codes of conduct, environmental conditions imposed by the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and International Finance Corporation, and international treaties affecting foreign operations.
• Counseling on the development of environmental risk management programs to minimize potential liability under international and foreign domestic law.

Kenneth Rubin authored a book published in Japan entitled Environmental Law in the U.S.A. and the European Community, and Morgan Lewis published a special report by Mr. Rubin on "What the Business Executive Needs to Know About Environmental Laws in the European Community." This report was later translated for publication in a Japanese legal journal. Our Brussels office monitors environmental developments within the European Commission. Morgan Lewis attorneys monitor environmental aspects of the agendas of the World Trade Organization and regional trade organizations, including the European Union, the European Free Trade Area, the Asia Pacific Economic Council (APEC), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Morgan Lewis attorneys are involved in the ongoing governmental and private sector efforts to deal with global climate change and other environmental issues. Morgan Lewis attorneys have advised domestic and non-U.S. clients on preparatory meetings for the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. The Firm monitors other environmental conventions, including the Vienna Ozone Convention and the Basel Convention on Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste. Additionally, the Firm counsels clients regarding U.S. laws and regulations governing the export of low-level radioactive waste and mixed waste for disposal in other countries. James Glasgow has extensive experience in environmental issues associated with international shipments of spent nuclear fuel, plutonium, and high-level vitrified waste.