April 2010
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Big Changes in Store for TSCA
New legislation is introduced in Congress that, if enacted, will substantially expand the U.S.EPA’s authority under TSCA to ban or restrict the use of chemicals that pose a risk to human health or the environment. Continue reading
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Carbon Disclosure Project Confirms That Current Greenhouse Gas Trends Will Not Meet Obama’s US Reduction Targets
According to the Carbon Disclosure Project, current greenhouse gas emissions from S&P 100 companies for the years 2007-2009 show that the US cannot achieve the 2020 target reductions recommended by President Obama in November 2009. At their current trajectory, US companies will produce a 3.66% absolute increase in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and possibly… Continue reading
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Office of EPA Inspector General Says Updated Final Vapor Intrusion Guidance Needed
EPA Office of Inspector General report recommends that EPA issue final vapor intrusion guidance on the evaluation and mitigation of vapor intrusion risks, including final toxicity values for TCE and PCE. The report also concludes that EPA’s existing 2002 draft vapor intrusion guidance has limited purpose and scope at this time. Continue reading
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Equipment Lessor Deemed An “Owner” Under CERCLA: Liable For Remediation Costs
A recent decision from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has provided a new perspective on who could be held liable for a release of hazardous substances as an “owner” under CERCLA. See United States v. Saporito, No. 07-C-3169 (N.D. Ill. Feb. 9, 2010). In a February 9, 2010 decision,… Continue reading
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Partners in Pollution Report More Emissions Come From Canadian Facilities
A recent report by Pollution Watch, a joint initiative between the Canadian Environmental Law Association and Environmental Defense, reveals that Canadian facilities have greater releases of cancer-causing pollutants than U.S. companies into the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin region. Continue reading
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Inter-American Commission on Human Rights Allows Complaint By Mossville, LA Residents
For the first time, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights ruled in favor of admitting a human rights complaint alleging environmental racism claims on behalf of the residents of Mossville, LA. Continue reading