Air
-
New York Bans PFAS Chemicals in Firefighting Foam as Industry Fights for Exemptions
On December 23, 2019, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo gave conditional approval to a state ban on firefighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (known as “PFAS”). PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their ongoing persistence in the environment, are a family of man-made chemicals commonly found in a variety of… Continue reading
-
International Shipping Industry Plots New Course to Battle Climate Change
In recent years, the global maritime shipping industry has faced pressure to reduce the large quantity of greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions associated with international shipping. About 90 percent of the world’s trade goods are transported by ship. Continue reading
-
Dan Brouillette, Acting Secretary of Energy, Confirmed by Senate for Top DOE Spot
The Senate in a 70-15 vote confirmed Dan Brouillette this week as the new Secretary of Energy to succeed Secretary Rick Perry. All 47 Republicans who were present for the vote backed confirmation, as did 22 Democrats, including Joe Manchin III of West Virginia, Tom Udall of New Mexico, and Richard J. Durbin of Illinois,… Continue reading
-
PFAS Regulations Projected to Impose Billions of Dollars of Compliance Costs on Drinking Water Systems
A recent report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the costs to comply with anticipated drinking water standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are likely to exceed “several billion dollars.” Continue reading
-
D.C. Circuit Rejects Attempts by Trump Administration to Fast-Track Litigation on EPA Climate Rule
On November 22, 2019, the D.C. Circuit rejected a bid by the Trump Administration to fast-track litigation over the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (“USEPA”) Affordable Clean Energy Rule governing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Continue reading
-
U.S. EPA May Require Companies to Report PFAS Releases in TRI Reports
On November 25, 2019, U.S. EPA submitted an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) for publication in the Federal Register seeking public comment on whether certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) should be added to the list of chemicals subject to reporting under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). Continue reading
-
Environmental Groups Collaborate on Launch of National PFAS Clearinghouse
In conjunction with a publicity blitz surrounding the release of “Dark Waters,” a movie targeting alleged environmental and health impacts associated with PFAS releases in Ohio and West Virginia, a group of environmental groups, lawmakers and other advocates of strict PFAS regulations launched a public clearinghouse that is intended to provide consumers with information on… Continue reading
-
DoD Quietly Releases PFAS Screening Levels
On October 15th, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued an internal guidance document regarding CERCLA cleanup actions involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Continue reading
-
Managing the Great Lakes Seminar—October 29th
Jenner and Block and ELI cordially invite you to attend a seminar titled “Managing the Great Lakes” on October 29, 2019 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (CST) at Jenner and Block’s office (353 N. Clark Street) in Chicago and by webinar. Continue reading
-
Recent DOJ Directive Marks Continuing Effort to Curb Availability of Supplemental Environmental Projects in Civil Environmental Settlements
On August 21, 2019, the Department of Justice issue a new memorandum reducing state and local governments’ ability to enter into settlement agreements that require the completion of supplemental environmental projects (SEPs) as compensation for alleged environmental violations. Continue reading