The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed to list two “forever chemicals”—perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)—as “hazardous substances” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund). For some this is a hair-on-fire moment, so let’s pause and evaluate what difference that listing would actually make if it became final.

Continue reading the full column, published by The Legal Intelligencer Sept. 29. Reprinted with permission.

Photo of David Mandelbaum David Mandelbaum

David G. Mandelbaum represents clients facing problems under the environmental laws and serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Environmental Practice. He regularly represents clients in lawsuits and has also helped clients achieve satisfactory outcomes through regulatory negotiation or private transactions. David teaches Superfund…

David G. Mandelbaum represents clients facing problems under the environmental laws and serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Environmental Practice. He regularly represents clients in lawsuits and has also helped clients achieve satisfactory outcomes through regulatory negotiation or private transactions. David teaches Superfund, and Oil and Gas Law in rotation at the Temple Law School. He teaches the Superfund course at Suffolk (Boston) Law School as well. David is a Fellow of the American College of Environmental Lawyers.

Concentrations

  • Air, water and waste regulation
  • Superfund and contamination
  • Climate change
  • Oil and gas development
  • Water rights
Photo of Kaitlyn R Maxwell Kaitlyn R Maxwell

Kaitlyn R. Maxwell focuses her practice on environmental litigation. She advises clients on regulatory compliance issues and represents clients in litigation in state and federal courts. Her work includes litigation of major contamination cases under the hazardous waste and Superfund laws. Kaitlyn also…

Kaitlyn R. Maxwell focuses her practice on environmental litigation. She advises clients on regulatory compliance issues and represents clients in litigation in state and federal courts. Her work includes litigation of major contamination cases under the hazardous waste and Superfund laws. Kaitlyn also advises clients in transactions involving the sale of contaminated real property.