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Articles Posted by Steve R. Brenner

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The End of Chevron Deference Could Spell Trouble for EPA’s PFAS “Hazardous Substance” Rule

A recent Supreme Court ruling could further jeopardize EPA’s PFAS hazardous substance designation, as the agency is attempting to advance a novel use of delegated legislative authority to further regulate PFAS chemicals. On June 28, the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, 603 U.S. ____…

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EPA Finalizes Rule Designating PFAS Substances as “Hazardous Substances” Under CERCLA

On April 19, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its long-awaited rule designating two PFAS compounds, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), as “hazardous substances” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund). The final rule will take effect 60 days after EPA publishes…

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PFAS Hazardous Substance Designation Clears White House Review, Nearing Finalization

The Biden Administration is continuing its efforts to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). On April 15, 2024, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) completed its review of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal designating two PFAS compounds, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), as “hazardous…

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EPA Finalizes Stringent Regulation of PFAS in Drinking Water

On April 10, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act to establish Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for five per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA,…

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Finalized EPA Drinking Water and CERCLA Regulations Fast Approaching  

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is continuing its push to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Just last week, the agency’s revised PFAS regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) cleared a key regulatory hurdle and could be finalized in the very near future. Similarly, the agency continues to…

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EPA Proposes to Designate Nine PFAS Compounds as Hazardous Constituents, Seeks Industry Input

The clock is winding down on businesses interested in commenting on EPA’s proposal to designate nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as hazardous constituents under the Resource Conservation and Recover Act (RCRA). See Listing of Specific PFAS as Hazardous Constituents (89 Fed. Reg. 8,606, Feb. 8, 2023). EPA continues to…

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Fire-Resistant Turnout Gear Represents a New Frontier in PFAS Liability

The risks associated with PFAS-containing materials are expanding into new areas, as litigation and regulatory enforcement actions continue to rise. Recent trends suggest that employers who provide fire protection gear to their employees and contractors may find themselves facing potential liabilities. PFAS and Recent Settlements Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)…