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Containing the Risk: SPCC Plans and the Art of Oil Spill Prevention Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans are critically important — and legally required — documents designed to help prevent and respond to oil releases at applicable facilities that store oil. SPCC Plans are living documents that must be periodically reviewed, updated and trained upon to ensure compliance and preparedness in the event of an accidental oil release. In this episode, partner Joel Eagle speaks with professional engineer Rajib Sinha, P.E., of Trihydro Corporation about the importance of strong SPCC Plan drafting, common facility challenges and technical and legal strategies to mitigate risk.

Who Pays for the Package? EPR Laws and What Every Business Needs to Know In this episode, Tanya Nesbitt sits down with Mark Heaney and Erin LaCosta, from Geosyntec Consultants to break down how to prepare and manage costs and compliance related to the patchwork of EPR laws now on the books. This episode also explores how companies can build a scalable, national compliance framework to meet this emerging challenge, addressing recycled content requirements, PFAS restrictions in packaging, and the evolving maze of state labeling laws.

As per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continue to dominate legal and scientific headlines across the country, more attention is focused on the diligence process performed before buying, selling or redeveloping contaminated properties. U.S. EPA recently published some frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the impact of its designation of two PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, as CERCLA hazardous substances on Brownfield grant funding and liability protection. In this episode of Environmental L.A.W.S., Joel Eagle and Heather Richardson speak with Tom Simmons, Dan Titus and Mark Wright of HRP Associates about the EPA Brownfields FAQ and other PFAS issues including: Federal and state PFAS regulatory updates Strategies for addressing PFAS in real estate and corporate transactions Additional PFAS risk mitigation strategies PFAS concerns now affect a wide range of legal, corporate and scientific disciplines and permeate many aspects of daily life, making this episode relevant to all.

As per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continue to dominate legal and scientific headlines across the country, more attention is focused on the diligence process performed before buying, selling or redeveloping contaminated properties. U.S. EPA recently published some frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the impact of its designation of two PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, as CERCLA hazardous substances on Brownfield grant funding and liability protection. In this episode of Environmental L.A.W.S., Joel Eagle and Heather Richardson speak with Tom Simmons, Dan Titus and Mark Wright of HRP Associates about the EPA Brownfields FAQ and other PFAS issues including: Federal and state PFAS regulatory updates Strategies for addressing PFAS in real estate and corporate transactions Additional PFAS risk mitigation strategies PFAS concerns now affect a wide range of legal, corporate and scientific disciplines and permeate many aspects of daily life, making this episode relevant to all.

In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation groups and co-chair of our Corporate Sustainability practice, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Marna McDermott, Director of Sustainability at Exelon, one of the nation’s largest utility companies. Marna leads Exelon’s sustainability strategy, advancing its mission to power a cleaner and brighter future for the communities it serves. Marna was the founding leader of the Conservation Litigation Project and previously served as Deputy General Counsel for the White House Council on Environmental Quality. This discussion originally took place as part of our Power Huddle: Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus series. These conversations examine how company executives from various industries are actively paving the way as ESG trendsetters and championing pragmatic ESG strategies to align with business values while building a sustainability framework to advance their company’s ESG goals and practices.

In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation groups and co-chair of our Corporate Sustainability practice, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Kristina Beifus, Director of Compliance and Sustainability at American Greetings. She leads the organizations’ compliance strategy and sustainability initiatives, ensuring regulatory consistency, mitigating risk and integrating ESG principles across her company’s business practices. This discussion originally took place as part of our Power Huddle: Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus series. These conversations examine how company executives from various industries are actively paving the way as ESG trendsetters and championing pragmatic ESG strategies to align with business values while building a sustainability framework to advance their company’s ESG goals and practices.

In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation groups and co-chair of our Corporate Sustainability practice, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Effie Silva, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. With 20 years of experience at global law firms, she has advised corporate leaders on governance, regulatory matters, M&A and international disputes. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of International Arbitration (FCIArb) and a board-certified expert in international litigation, she holds leadership roles in multiple organizations and is an NACD Certified Director and member of the Latino Corporate Directors Association. This discussion originally took place as part of our Power Huddle: Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus series. These conversations examine how company executives from various industries are actively paving the way as ESG trendsetters and championing pragmatic ESG strategies to align with business values while building a sustainability framework to advance their company’s ESG goals and practices.

In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation groups and co-chair of our Corporate Sustainability practice, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Danielle Doza, Vice President of Sustainability and Environmental Services for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group, the first senior-level sustainability role in the NBA. Danielle leads enterprise-wide initiatives spanning sustainable operations, procurement and reporting, while also supporting marketing, communications and partnership development to embed sustainability throughout the organization. This discussion originally took place as part of our Power Huddle: Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus series. These conversations examine how company executives from various industries are actively paving the way as ESG trendsetters and championing pragmatic ESG strategies to align with business values while building a sustainability framework to advance their company’s ESG goals and practices.

In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation groups and co-chair of our Corporate Sustainability practice, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Mindy Kairis, Director of Regulatory Law and Government Affairs at Owens Corning. Mindy develops and implements company policies to maintain compliance with environmental laws and uphold rigorous health and safety standards, while also leading sustainability programs aimed at achieving organizational goals and aligning with international reporting frameworks.

Conversations With ESG Gurus In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation groups and co-chair of our Corporate Sustainability practice, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Farhana Morales, Adjunct Professor at the University of Colorado Denver Business School and Senior Manager of Corporate Responsibility and ESG at the Target Corporation. Farhana brings more than two decades of ESG and sustainability experience, including extensive work in the oil and gas industry. At the University, she teaches an innovative ESG course that guides graduate students through developing comprehensive sustainability strategies. This discussion originally took place as part of our Power Huddle: Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus series. These conversations examine how company executives from various industries are actively paving the way as ESG trendsetters and championing pragmatic ESG strategies to align with business values while building a sustainability framework to advance their company’s ESG goals and practices.

In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation groups and co-chair of our Corporate Sustainability practice, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Kim Yapchai, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Teichert, Inc. With nearly 30 years of legal and business experience, Kim is a seasoned C-suite leader known for navigating complex legal challenges for multinational corporations. This discussion originally took place as part of our Power Huddle: Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus series. These conversations examine how company executives from various industries are actively paving the way as ESG trendsetters and championing pragmatic ESG strategies to align with business values while building a sustainability framework to advance their company’s ESG goals and practices.

Conversations With ESG Gurus In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation groups and co-chair of our Corporate Sustainability practice, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Beth Grove, Chief Sustainability Officer and VP of Public Affairs at Lubrizol Corporation. Beth also serves as President of the Lubrizol Foundation, where she leads the company’s sustainability strategy across environmental, social and governance initiatives, as well as overseeing government affairs, community engagement and philanthropy. This discussion originally took place as part of our Power Huddle: Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus series. These conversations examine how company executives from various industries are actively paving the way as ESG trendsetters and championing pragmatic ESG strategies to align with business values while building a sustainability framework to advance their company’s ESG goals and practices.

Regulating Responsibility: The Rise of EPR Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is quickly reshaping how companies approach packaging, waste management, and sustainability. With new state laws emerging across the U.S., established frameworks in Canada, and global models influencing policy, businesses are navigating both complex compliance challenges and new opportunities. In this episode of Environmental L.A.W.S., Tanya Nesbitt sits down with Gareth McDonald, Principal Consultant at Worley Consulting, to break down what EPR really means in practice. They explore: How EPR laws are taking shape across U.S. states Lessons from Canada’s longer track record with EPR Cross-border and global compliance considerations Where EPR policy is headed in the next five years Whether you advise companies, manage sustainability programs, or want a clearer view of the future of product stewardship, this conversation offers practical insights and a forward-looking perspective.

In our latest episode, partner Tanya C. Nesbitt interviews Dr. Jen Wollenberg of Integral Consulting, a leading U.S. science, engineering, and environmental consulting firm, about an emergent contaminant: microplastics. From our tap water and food to consumer products and even the air we breathe, tiny plastic particles have made their way into nearly every corner of our world—and our bodies. Tanya and Dr. Wollenberg examine the science, sources, regulatory landscape, and what the growing presence of microplastics might mean for the manufacturing and consumer goods industries. As the science evolves and public awareness grows, microplastics are increasingly becoming a focal point for litigation, product liability, environmental compliance, and sustainability disclosure. The discussion examines what companies should be thinking about now to stay ahead of the curve as regulatory pressures mount.

1.27.2025_Environmental L..A.W.S. - PFAS Analysis and the Precautionary Principle by Thompson Hine