Considerable measures have been taken to minimize the public’s exposure to Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), two chemicals categorized into a larger group known as Per – Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).  With everyday items – such as food packaging, fire-fighting foam, stain- and water-repellant fabrics in some carpeting and clothing, non-stick pans, among others – laced with these chemicals, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has carefully studied […]

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On March 15, 2019, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a rule to prohibit the manufacturing, processing, and distribution of methylene chloride in paint removers for consumer use.  Under Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA has the authority “to prohibit or limit the manufacture, processing, distribution, in commerce, use, or disposal of a chemical” if it is deemed harmful to the environment or may […]

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In response to the number of catastrophic wildfires occurring in the State of California, Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 901 (SB 901) into law on September 21, 2018. With the objective to mitigate wildfire risk and increase the rate of recovery, the Bill outlines a number of revisions to current law while establishing new requirements, such as the formation of the Commission on Catastrophic Wildfire Cost and Recovery. This Commission […]

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The Bramble Cay Melomys (Melomys Rubicola), also known as the mosaic-tailed rat, was found only on an island off Australia. Thriving off the small eastern Torres Strait of the Great Barrier Reef, hundreds of rats were present in 1978 after its discovery in 1845. However, studies show that the island began to shrink in 1998, decreasing by nearly 4 acres. Unsuccessful attempts to capture these rodents in 2014 led scientist […]

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