EU Policy News

European Commission extends deadline for digital identity framework proposals — The European Commission has extended the deadline for the second wave of Digital Europe Programme proposals that includes the European Digital Identity Wallet under the European Digital Identity framework. Originally scheduled to end on 17 May 17 2022, the new deadline is 17 August 2022.

EU lawmakers back ban on new fossil-fuel cars from 2035 — On 8 June 2022, European Parliament lawmakers voted to support an EU ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars beginning in 2035 with a clear aim to accelerate Europe’s shift to electric vehicles. “The vote upholds a key pillar of the European Union’s plans to cut net planet-warming emissions 55% by 2030, from 1990 levels – a target that requires faster emissions reductions from industry, energy and transport.” 

Germany issues crypto securities guidance as deadline looms — On 1 June 2022, German financial regulator BaFin issued a set of requirements crypto securities registry managers must follow to get regulatory approval under laws that took effect in 2021. According to BaFin, companies seeking the license must keep data secure and meet money laundering guidelines.

EU Finance Commissioner calls for speedy passage of crypto law — European Commissioner for Financial Services Mairead McGuinness urged EU lawmakers to expedite the passage of its crypto-asset regulatory framework, speaking at the economics committee structured dialogue on 14 June 2022. The Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework seeks to regulate the digital asset space at the EU level, outlining licensing requirements for crypto-asset service providers and cryptocurrency issuers that would apply for all 27 member nations. Introduced in 2020, the framework has been moving through the EU’s complex legislative process and is now in the last stages of the legislative process. 

NFT, private wallet fates hang on EU crypto talks this week — EU negotiators will meet on 29 and 30 June 2022, aiming to finalize anti-money-laundering rules and authorization requirements for crypto service providers.

US Policy News

Biden-Harris Administration takes key step forward in building national network of user-friendly, reliable, and accessible electric vehicle chargers — The proposed rule, announced on 9 June 2022, would “establish the groundwork for states to build federally-funded charging station projects across a national EV charging network, an important step towards making electric vehicle charging accessible to all Americans. No matter what kind of EV a user drives, what state they charge in, or what charging company they plug into, the minimum standards will ensure a unified network of chargers with similar payment systems, pricing information, charging speeds, and more.” 

Privacy Legislation Update: The “Three Corners” Bill and the Cantwell Draft — On June 3 2022, members of the U.S. Congress released a bipartisan discussion draft of a comprehensive national data privacy and data security framework, widely known as the “three corners” bill. Among other things, such a bill would require entities operating in the U.S. to: 

• • • limit the collection of consumer data;
    • implement data governance requirements;
    • allow consumers to opt out of targeted advertising;
    • and implement reasonable data security measures.

EPA information request suggests coming battery recycling and labeling standards — On 9 June 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published a request for information (RFI) in the Federal Register aimed at developing best practices on battery generation, collecting, recycling, and reuse as well as labeling standards for battery end-of-life management. Comments are due 11 July 2022. 

Key US Senators introduce crypto bill outlining sweeping plan for future rules — On 7 June 2022, Sens. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) proposed a comprehensive bipartisan crypto bill to bolster regulations surrounding digital assets in the U.S. The proposed bill would “liberate small-scale purchases of goods and services from the mire of tax implications by making transactions of less than $200 tax-free – potentially clearing a path for a cryptocurrency that acts more like a currency.”  

President Biden takes bold executive action to spur domestic clean energy manufacturing — On 6 June 2022, President Biden authorized the use of the Defense Production Act (DPA) to accelerate domestic production of clean energy technologies. Specifically, Biden authorized the Department of Energy to use the DPA to expand domestic manufacturing of solar panel components, building insulation, heat pumps, equipment for making and using clean electricity-generated fuels, and critical power grid infrastructure.

President Biden, USDOT announce new guidance and $6.4 Billion to help states reduce carbon emissions under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — The Carbon Reduction Program, launched on 21 April 2022, will fund a wide range of projects designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from on-road highway sources — from installing infrastructure to support the electrification of freight vehicles or personal cars, to constructing Bus Rapid Transit corridors, to facilitating micro-mobility and biking.