May 2013
-
IEC Supports IL Fracking Bill
The IEC’s Executive Director, Jennifer Walling, yesterday announced in an editorial in Crain’s Chicago Business that the IEC supports Illinois fracking bill, SB 1715. While IEC does not support high-volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing, this appears to be a compromise position to ensure fracking operations move forward subject to meaningful environmental regulations. Continue reading
-
Wal-Mart Pleads Guilty And Agrees To Pay $82M Fine For Improper Disposal Of Hazardous Substances
On May 28, 2013, Wal-Mart entered a guilty plea with respect to charges filed by the Department of Justice alleging that Wal-Mart violated the Clean Water Act (CWA) at its stores in California and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) at a recycling and repackaging facility located in Missouri. With respect to its… Continue reading
-
China’s Toxic Rice Bowl
This weekend as many celebrated Rachel Carson’s birthday, we remembered her environmental work and the landmark publication of her book, Silent Spring. In doing so, we should be reminded of how far environmental protection efforts have advanced in the U.S. and continue to progress in addressing both existing but also new challenges. It is easier… Continue reading
-
Pesticide Use Data Now Available From USGS
The USGS recently made available detailed maps identifying annual usage of 459 pesticides throughout the U.S. The Pesticide National Synthesis Project manages pesticide data from 1992-2009 and provides specific statistics associated with pesticide use per crop and within each county. Continue reading
-
EPA Promotes “Soil Gas Safe” Approach to Potential Vapor Intrusion Concerns
EPA recently announced at the Brownfields 2013 conference that the Agency was in favor of preemptive vapor intrusion control systems when constructing new buildings, particularly at brownfield sites. A “soil gas safe” community is one where all buildings use devices that minimize or prevent vapor intrusion, according to EPA’s Henry Schuver. Continue reading
-
High Court Refuses to Take Up Kivalina Climate Suit
On May 20, 2013, the United States Supreme Court denied the Alaska town of Kivalina’s petition for writ of certiorari in its public nuisance lawsuit against Exxon Mobil Corp. and other energy companies. Kivalina contended that the energy companies were injuring the small Eskimo village by causing global warming and a commensurate sea level rise,… Continue reading
-
New Report Concludes Cities Face Water Scarcity
The Columbia University Water Center, Veolia Water and Growing Blue have issued a new report titled America’s Water Risk: Water Stress and Climate Variability. The report examines water risk by evaluating both existing demand as well as variations in renewable water supply. The report offers a means to estimate water risk and map it for… Continue reading
-
More Wind Power Into PJM Region Could Save $7B Annually
A new report completed by Synapse Energy Economics on behalf of Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) concludes adding more wind power to the PJM region can lower gas and coal consumption and reduce regional wholesale energy market prices saving nearly $7B per year by the mid-2020s. The new report, issued May 9, 2013,… Continue reading
-
Compliance With FIFRA Regulations Provides Defense From Product Liability Lawsuit
An Indiana appellate court recently affirmed summary judgment on behalf of The Dow Chemical Company and Dow AgroSciences, LLC (collectively “Dow”), in a personal injury lawsuit premised on alleged design defect and failure to warn claims. See Gresser et al. v. The Dow Chemical Company, Inc. et al. (Ind. Ct. App. April 30, 2013). Plaintiffs… Continue reading
-
Law360 Q&A With Lynn Grayson
Law360’s Q&A series asked: What is the most challenging case you have worked on and what made it challenging? What aspects of your practice area are in need of reform and why? What is an important issue or case relevant to your practice area and why? Outside your firm, name an attorney in your field… Continue reading