PFAS-related litigation continues to climb and to diversify as to claims and parties. See the attached graphics, updated through the fourth quarter of 2025. We will continue to update these graphics on a quarterly basis
What Illinois’ Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act Means for Project Developers
Governor Pritzker signed the Illinois Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act into law on January 8, 2026 (Public Act 104-0458). The act has far reaching energy supply, grid regulation and infrastructure development provisions, which will accelerate the state’s clean energy transition, improve grid stability and help manage rising electricity demands.
Oral Argument Scheduled in Hazardous Substance Designation Litigation
Following the completion of briefing in the challenge to EPA’s rule designating PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), oral argument has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
On January 7, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit granted Respondent-Intervenors’ unopposed motion setting
Stoel Rives Welcomes Environmental Attorney in Seattle
Stoel Rives LLP is pleased to announce that Ankur Tohan has joined the firm’s Seattle office as a Partner in the Environment, Land Use and Natural Resources practice group.
Ankur brings extensive experience in environmental and energy law, with a practice focused on renewable energy development, carbon capture and sequestration, energy infrastructure, and complex regulatory
Oral Argument Scheduled in PFAS Drinking Water Litigation
Following up on our previous update, the lawsuit brought by utilities challenging Maximum Contaminant Levels (“MCLs”) for PFAS in drinking water is scheduled for oral argument on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
On January 7, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit granted Respondent-Intervenors’ unopposed motion setting the format for the oral-argument. Under
Washington State’s Amended PFAS Rule Restricts New Product Categories and Adds Total Fluorine Threshold
The amended rule adds to the growing patchwork of state-level PFAS laws and to compliance burdens.
By Julia A. Hatcher, Tom Lee, and Hunter J. Kendrick
Key Points
- Any product in excess of the 50 ppm total fluorine threshold is presumed to contain “intentionally added” PFAS and subject to the rule unless this
EPA’s New “Compliance First” Policy
On December 5, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance issued a memorandum titled “Reinforcing a ‘Compliance First’ Orientation for Compliance Assurance and Civil Enforcement Activities”(Compliance Memorandum). The Compliance Memorandum, nicknamed the Pritzlaff Memo, directs staff to prioritize efficient compliance over punitive measures, supporting the agency’s “Powering the
METI Proposes Price Cap Reductions in Japan’s Balancing Market: Implications for Battery Energy Storage Systems
The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has proposed revisions to the price cap structure in Japan’s balancing market that may materially impact the economics of battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Japan.
Under proposals presented to METI’s System Review Working Group in late October 2025 (the METI proposal), from April 2026
US Army Corps of Engineers Finalizes 2026 Nationwide Permit Package
On January 8, 2026, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finalized 57 Nationwide Permits first proposed in June of last year. Nationwide Permits (NWPs) are streamlined federal permits for activities that affect waters of the United States, ranging from routine development and infrastructure projects to major projects. In this action, the Corps:
- Reissues and modifies
Navigating the New Public Health Environment: How Employers Should Approach CDC and NIOSH Guidance on Health Hazards in the Trump Administration
Under OSHA’s General Duty Clause, employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause serious injury or death. OSHA regulations require PPE and respiratory protection where necessitated by the hazards at the workplace. Infectious diseases represent a recognized hazard at many workplaces across the United States (particularly in healthcare) and employers must