Environmental Claims
Stakes can be high given the public interest in safeguarding America’s land, water and air, the costs involved in clean-up assessment and implementation, and dealing with the agency process in general.
Client encounters with the United States Environmental Protection Agency or state departments of natural resources may involve a variety of exposures including:
- Demands for payment of penalties for administrative rule non-compliance
- Hearings before the agency,
- Civil actions brought under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) or state laws relating to pollution remediation and responsibility.
Our firm has the resources and experience to guide clients through the complicated maze of regulations and statutory law successfully to try to head off larger problems early through agency negotiations, or through mediation or litigation when necessary. In addition, environmental contamination claims brought by agencies or others may trigger insurance coverage disputes that our insurance declaratory judgment specialists are thoroughly equipped to handle for insurers.