FDA’s Update on Phthalates in Food Packaging
On October 29, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an important update on the regulation of phthalates in food packaging. This announcement builds on the agency’s 2022 Final Rule, which addressed the safety of certain chemicals in food contact materials. What Are Phthalates? Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemicals used to make […]
Supreme Court Overturns Chevron Doctrine
Introduction: The End of Chevron Deference In June 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling that overturned the Chevron doctrine, a principle that has guided U.S. regulatory law for over four decades. Under the Chevron doctrine, federal agencies were given deference in interpreting laws when their meaning was unclear. However, the Supreme Court’s […]
DC Circuit Challenges NEPA Regulations
A recent decision by the DC Circuit raised significant questions about the legal authority of the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to issue regulations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The ruling challenged CEQ’s long-standing framework, which guides federal agencies on how to assess the environmental impacts of major federal actions. The […]
EPA Revises DecaBDE and PIP (3:1) Rules
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized revisions to its rules for decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE) and phenol, isopropylated phosphate (3:1) (PIP (3:1)) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Effective January 21, 2025, these revisions address the use, compliance timelines, and safety protocols for these persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals (PBTs). Key Revisions and […]
Should the EPA Ban this Herbicide?
Introduction Paraquat is a widely used herbicide known for its effectiveness in controlling weeds. However, concerns have grown about its potential link to Parkinson’s disease. This raises an important question: Should the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ban paraquat to protect public health? Understanding Paraquat Paraquat is a chemical herbicide that farmers use to kill weeds. […]
Understanding PFAS and Its Impact on Health
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals commonly used for their water- and grease-resistant properties. Found in products like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foam, PFAS have become widespread in the environment. Unfortunately, these chemicals can also accumulate in the human body, leading to potential health risks […]
The Unique Impacts of PFAS on Women and Girls
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products due to their water- and grease-resistant properties. Known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment, PFAS are found in a range of products, including nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and even food packaging. While […]
Critical Update on PFAS Water Contamination Settlements
This article provides an important update [October 2024] regarding the 3M and DuPont PFAS drinking water settlements. To facilitate the smooth progression of settlement claims, we strongly recommend that public water systems test all water system’s source as soon as possible. Major settlements for PWS have been reached, including those with 3M and DuPont. The […]
3M PFAS Settlement Claim:
Should Your Public Water System File? Public water systems nationwide are discovering harmful levels of PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” in their supplies. The EPA recently set strict standards for PFAS in drinking water. In recent years, major companies like 3M have faced lawsuits for their role in PFAS contamination. Recently, 3M agreed to a […]
Update on the AFFF Litigation
Judge Gergel held a status conference and the Tyco and BASF settlement fairness hearings on November 1, 2024. The courtroom was packed with attorneys from both sides and the judge had a full agenda to cover. The Importance of Product Identification in AFFF Cases Product identification for the cases was a major topic of discussion. […]