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Category: Environmental Law

How to Protect Yourself from Environmental Liability: Key Legal Defenses for Landowners and Developers

Mon Jun 30th, On Environmental Law, by

Environmental liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) poses significant financial risks to landowners and developers. Landowners’ and developers’ liability under CERCLA has the potential to be substantial, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) vigorously pursues enforcement actions under CERCLA when warranted. When facing EPA scrutiny, it is crucial to collaborate closely with an experienced California environmental litigation attorney to develop an informed defense strategy. While […]

Brownfields and Beyond: What the 2002 Amendments Mean for Today’s Real Estate Investors

Mon Jun 23rd, On Environmental Law, by

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields Program provides opportunities for real estate investors to revitalize properties that have been disused due to environmental contamination. At the same time, however, the liability provisions of the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) can pose substantial risks for those who invest in contaminated properties. Amendments to CERCLA that were enacted in 2002, which remain relatively unknown and underutilized, provide key […]

Don’t Get Stuck With the Bill: Understanding CERCLA Liability in Property Transactions

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) is a federal statute that establishes requirements for cleaning up vacant and improved properties that have been contaminated with hazardous substances. Enacted in 1980 in response to concerns about widespread contamination within the chemical and petroleum industries, CERCLA continues to play a central role in environmental liability and cleanup responsibility today. With this in mind, investors seeking to acquire properties that […]

EPA Revises PFAS Drinking Water Regulation: What It Means for Water Utilities and Industry Stakeholders

Fri May 30th, On Environmental Law, by

On May 14, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced significant updates to its National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These changes will impact drinking water systems, industrial facilities, and municipalities nationwide—particularly those dealing with PFAS monitoring, treatment, and compliance. Key Takeaways  #1: Compliance Deadline for PFOA and PFOS Extended to 2031 EPA will retain enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA and […]

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