DC Firm Racks Up Big Bill in RI Case

A well-known Washington, D.C., law firm is sending the state of Rhode Island six-figure monthly bills for ongoing representation in a huge environmental clean-up case. When the state asked Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan to represent R.I. in the case concerning a Southern Union Co. site in Tiverton, it anticipated monthly…

Jun 12, 2007 1:00 AM CDT

Court Strengthens Superfund

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that the federal Superfund law permits companies to sue to recover costs of voluntarily cleaning up hazardous material.

The ruling helps strengthen the Superfund cleanup program, the Associated Press reports.

Jun 11, 2007 9:02 PM CDT

Bounty-Hunters Irk Calif. AG

About a dozen law firms are filing lawsuits that help enforce a California law requiring businesses to tell consumers when they are exposed to cancer-causing substances. Their suits generate 100 to 150 settlements totaling about $10 million a year, according to the state attorney general’s office. It has taken issue…

Jun 11, 2007 3:22 PM CDT

Seven Accused of Killing Pigeon Predators

Federal agents went undercover to find evidence that members of roller pigeon clubs were illegally killing hawks and falcons that were eating specially bred birds. Roller pigeons are bred to suffer seizures in flight that send them plummeting to the ground, according to the Los Angeles Times. Enthusiasts have contests…

May 29, 2007 6:07 PM CDT

Activists: Timber Suit Based on Draft Regulations

In a lawsuit characterized as “downright bizarre” by a Seattle newspaper blog, a timber industry lawyer who formerly worked for the Bush administration has made a legal claim based on draft environmental regulations. Mark Rutzick, now a private practitioner in Portland, Ore., was formerly a special counsel at the National…

May 1, 2007 11:03 AM CDT

Calif. Governor Threatens EPA Lawsuit

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger gave the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency six months to issue a waiver allowing a state clean air law to take effect. “The clock is ticking,” the governor said, according to a story in the Los Angeles Times. “If we don’t see quick action from the federal…

Apr 26, 2007 5:36 PM CDT

U.S. Mining Executive Innocent in Indonesia

A 21-month criminal trial in Indonesia against a major U.S. mining company and one of its executives ended today with a not-guilty verdict by the judge. Despite a reported demonstration outside the courthouse by an estimated 1,000 protesters, Judge Ridwan Damanik held there was not enough evidence to prove that…

Apr 24, 2007 8:26 PM CDT

Vermont Emissions Law on Trial

Trial begins in a Vermont court on Tuesday in a case challenging states’ efforts to limit vehicle emissions. The case will be heard in U.S. District Court in Burlington, Reuters reports. “This trial is about whether or not states have the authority to set their own fuel-economy standards. And we…

Apr 10, 2007 1:30 PM CDT

Green Fees

Anticipating more business, some firms bolster their climate-change practices

Jan 5, 2007 12:33 AM CST

Up Against the Seawall

After Last Year’s Hurricanes, a New Storm Over Property Rights and Beach Protection Engulfs Florida’s Coast

Jul 10, 2006 5:17 PM CDT

Feeling the Heat

The Growing Debate Over Climate Change Takes on Legal Overtones

Jul 8, 2006 8:22 PM CDT

Going With the Flow

Wetlands Cases Raise Anew the Question of the Environment and Federal Power

Feb 22, 2006 6:38 AM CST

Saving the Seas

ABA Urges Government to Take Steps to Protect the Nation’s Ocean Resources

Nov 29, 2005 10:48 AM CST

Good Climate For Business

Joining the Fight Against Greenhouse Gas Emissions Helps Firms Grow Opportunities

Oct 29, 2005 9:33 AM CDT

More than Just Peanuts

High Court’s Pesticide, Stock Market Cases Test Whether Federal Regulations Bar Suits

Jan 25, 2005 10:42 AM CST