Worldwide: Waste Management

The D.C. Circuit Court has upheld EPA's designation of PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA hazardous substances, rejecting all industry challenges and confirming significant compliance and liability implications for companies. This decision establishes that these "forever chemicals" can now form the basis for federal Superfund response actions and cost-recovery claims, while leaving broader questions about PFAS regulation and enforcement still in motion.

On July 21, CARB hosted a public workshop to clarify the near-term implementation path for SB 253, focusing on reporting deadlines, phased Scope 3 reporting, insurance-company treatment, and assurance. During the workshop, CARB introduced a new initial reporting deadline of November 10, 2026 for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reporting, and discussed phased-in Scope 3 reporting beginning in 2027. CARB also signaled that future rules will rely heavily on the GHG Protocol, including disclosures on methodology, boundaries, emissions factors, data sources, and global warming potential values, and previewed expected future application of the climate reporting laws to insurance companies.

A federal judge has approved settlements worth up to $2.5 billion between New Jersey and major chemical manufacturers over PFAS contamination at legacy manufacturing sites. The agreement requires cleanup of four contaminated facilities and funding for natural resource restoration over the next 25 years. Taft partners Rob Bilott and Dave Butler were part of the legal team that secured this landmark environmental settlement.

California's Circular Action Alliance has submitted its draft program plan to implement the state's extended producer responsibility law for plastic and packaging, outlining ambitious goals including a projected $1.87 billion budget for 2027 and plans to raise $5 billion over ten years through producer fees. The comprehensive 12-chapter plan addresses everything from environmental justice considerations to fee structures, with a public comment period open until August 14, 2026.

In Keyport, New Jersey, ongoing concerns about cancer cases have left many residents wondering who could potentially be held responsible if environmental contamination is involved.

In Keyport, New Jersey, rising concerns about cancer cases, particularly along First Street, have left many residents questioning whether environmental factors may be contributing to these diagnoses.

In the last days of the Biden administration in January 2025, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its Draft Risk Assessment for Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic...

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are rapidly becoming one of the most significant environmental regulatory challenges facing businesses today.

Seven U.S. states have enacted extended producer responsibility laws requiring companies to pay fees for packaging waste management through private producer responsibility organizations.