Earlier this week, a class action lawsuit was filed against Delta Air Lines alleging that the company is misleading the flying public with its claims of carbon neutrality. The complaint is the latest in the growing trend of greenwashing lawsuits filed against companies of all kinds alleging that their environmental and sustainability claims do not
Environment
EPA Proposes Enforceable Drinking Water Standards For PFAS
By Guest Contributor on
This week’s post is authored by Emilee Mooney Scott and is also available on Robinson+Cole’s Environmental Law + blog. Thank you to Emilee for contributing. Emilee is a partner in the firm’s Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group, focusing her practice on a variety of environmental compliance and transactional matters, including emerging contaminants.
In mid-March…
2023 Environmental, Health, and Safety Outlook for Manufacturers
By Megan Baroni on
Posted in Environment
This week, we wrap up our forecast of annual trends with a focus on environmental, health, and safety issues that we expect many manufacturers may face this year.
1. ESG Developments
Last year, we reported on the SEC’s Proposed Rule on Climate-Related Disclosures. The SEC is expected to finalize this rule in 2023, perhaps as…
California Bans the Manufacture and Sale of Certain PFAS-Containing Products
By Megan Baroni on
Posted in Environment
The State of California has always been a leader in regulating chemical ingredients contained in products sold in the state (think Prop 65), and it has turned its sights towards per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). There are already laws on the books banning the sale or distribution of PFAS-containing food packaging and children’s products, and…
The EEOC Releases New COVID-19 Guidance – What Employers Should Know
By Abby Warren on
This week’s post was co-authored by Robinson+Cole Labor and Employment Group lawyer Emily A. Zaklukiewicz.
Over the last two years, employers have followed the evolving laws and guidance issued by federal, state, and local governments and public health authorities. On July 12, 2022, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) made several noteworthy revisions to…
EPA Power Plant Ruling Could Have Broader Effects for Industry
By Megan Baroni on
Posted in Environment
Below is an excerpt of an article co-authored with Jon Schaefer and published in Industry Week on July 8, 2022. Jon focuses his practice on environmental compliance counseling, occupational health and safety, permitting, site remediation, and litigation related to federal and state regulatory programs.
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision that the…
EPA Establishes New Health Advisories for PFAS
By Megan Baroni on
Posted in Environment
Earlier this month, EPA set new lifetime health advisories for four per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – in some instances at levels lower than those that can be detected through laboratory testing. The new health advisories are listed below:
| PFAS | Health Advisory (in parts per trillion) |
| PFOA (perflurooctanoic acid) | 0.004 ppt |
| PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) |
SEC Scrutiny of Climate Change Disclosures on the Rise
By Megan Baroni on
Posted in Environment
While we await the SEC’s proposed rules regarding mandatory climate change disclosures (signaled to be coming as soon as next Monday, March 21), the SEC has been digging in to company filings to scrutinize how, if at all, its registrants are addressing climate change. As we previously reported, the SEC took a number of…
2022 Environmental, Health, and Safety Outlook for Manufacturers
By Megan Baroni on
Posted in Environment
Last week, Jeff kicked off our 2022 outlook for manufacturers, covering corporate compliance and litigation. This week, I am turning to the environmental, health, and safety issues that may occupy the minds and the time of manufacturers in 2022.
1. Emerging Contaminants
We have been talking about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for so long…
Shareholder Files Derivative Suit Targeting Company Executives for Greenwashing
By Megan Baroni on
Posted in Environment
Last week, a shareholder of Danimer Scientific, Inc., filed a derivative suit against the company’s executives and board members, alleging that overstated sustainability claims led to millions of dollars in market capitalization losses.
Danimer manufactures polymers, resins, and plastic alternatives that are used in a number of plastic products. The complaint alleges that the company…