Health & Safety Developments
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DTSC Seeks Comments on New Safer Consumer Products Guidance
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has issued draft guidance titled Alternatives Analysis Guide and is seeking comments through January 20, 2017. California’s Safer Consumer Products (SCP) Program challenges product designers and manufacturers to reduce toxic chemicals in their products. Continue reading
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U.S. EPA Issues Final Rule Adding Vapor Intrusion to NPL Site Scoring System
On December 7, 2017, U.S. EPA published a final rule which added “subsurface instrusion” or “SsI component to CERCLA’s Hazard Ranking System (HRS). Continue reading
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OSHA’S New Anti-Retaliation Rule: Effect on Safety Incentive Programs
On May 12, 2016, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued a final rule addressing employers’ workplace injury and illness reporting and recording obligations addressing retaliation against employees who report a work-related injury or illness to an employer. Continue reading
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OSHA Issues Final Rule On Walking-Working Surfaces and Fall Protection
On November 18, 2016, OSHA finally published a final rule updating the walking-working surfaces and fall protection standards for general industry. Continue reading
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World’s Largest Marine Protected Area Established
The United States, in conjunction with 25 other countries, recently approved the creation of the world’s largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Antarctica’s Ross Sea. The Ross Sea Region MPA will safeguard one of the last unspoiled ocean wilderness areas on the planet—home to unparalleled marine biodiversity and thriving communities of penguins, seals, whales, seabirds,… Continue reading
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Chicago: New Industrial Growth Zones Program
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle recently launched an unprecedented effort to generate new industrial investment in Chicagoland neighborhoods. The Industrial Growth Zones program will accelerate neighborhood development in seven designated areas over the next three years by removing longstanding hurdles to development and providing a broad set of services to… Continue reading
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Uncertainty Continues As to ESG Reporting
The importance of and how best to report on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues remain uncertain, and what really matters may depend upon whether you are a corporate or an investor. The continuing difference of opinion on ESG matters is highlighted in a new survey from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP titled “Investors, Corporates and ESG: Bridging… Continue reading
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EPA Issues New Climate Change Fact Sheets
EPA recently issued fact sheets detailing climate change impacts for each state and U.S. territory. In doing so, EPA confirmed some very basic, general findings about climate change impacts overall. Continue reading
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Environmental Attorney Reception at Jenner
On September 13th, from 5 pm to 7 pm, the CBA Environmental Law Committee, CBA Young Lawyers Section Environmental Law Committee, ISBA Environmental Law Section, and ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources will be hosting a networking reception for environmental attorneys at Jenner & Block’s offices in Chicago. Continue reading
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Flint, MI Water Crisis: Lessons Learned
The International Bar Association’s Water Law News was published this week and includes an article written by Lynn Grayson regarding the Flint, MI water crisis which provides a detailed factual account of the circumstances, decisions and governmental actions that led to the discovery of elevated levels of lead in Flint’s drinking water. Continue reading