On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) issued its first-ever regulatory drinking water limits on per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”), or “forever chemicals,” under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”). By requiring purveyors of public drinking water to reduce PFAS concentrations, EPA hopes to decrease PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people. Background on PFAS PFAS have been widely used since the 1940s in industry and consumer […] The post EPA Sets First Federal PFAS Drinking Water Standards appeared first on Bick Law LLP ..read more

As of September, co-founder and managing partner at Bick Law LLP, Kimberly Leue Bick, will be assuming the role of Chair of the Environmental Law Section (ELS) of the California Lawyers Association (CLA). Kim is joined in her new position by fellow officers, Mary Akens (Vice Chair), Miles Hogan (Secretary), and Samir Abdelnour (Treasurer). CLA was founded in 2018 as result of Senate Bill 36, which separated the voluntary educational, […] The post Kimberly Bick Named Chair for Environmental Law Section of California Lawyers Association appeared first on Bick Law LLP ..read more

Following the commission of the Coal leasing Amendments Act of 1976, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was entrusted with the obligation of overseeing the operations of coal leasing: the process through which the rights to extract coal from federal lands are negotiated with the highest bidder. BLM is obligated to lease coal at a fair market value, as well as competitively, meaning that any interested party can bid on […] The post Montana Judge Reinstates Formerly Defunct Ban on Coal-Leasing appeared first on Bick Law LLP ..read more

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) serves as the nation’s headmost legislation pertaining to flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration of the country’s waterways. Developed in 1986 as a means for establishing necessary water infrastructure – dams and canals – the WRDA operates under a biennial timeframe, allowing Congress to apply necessary adjustments every two years. In accordance with this system, 2022 is the year to reassess WRDA legislation, and […] The post Senate Approves Bill to Fund Restoration of Freshwater Systems   appeared first on Bick Law LLP ..read more

Amidst a series of incursions and roadblocks for environmental groups throughout the nation, most recently through EPA constraints executed by the Supreme Court, California has once again demonstrated its commitment as a pioneer in tackling climate issues at the source. On the very same day that the United States Supreme Court released its decision regarding West Virginia v. EPA – a significant ruling that seeks to constrain the Environmental Protection […] The post Cal. Governor Newsome Signs Cutting-Edge Plastics Bill into Law appeared first on Bick Law LLP ..read more

The oceans of the world, which makeup over 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, contain approximately 97 percent of the planet’s water. The remaining 3 percent, which humans, animals and vegetation rely upon for drinking and agriculture, can be found within the rivers and lakes that constitute freshwater. As global temperatures continue to give rise to drought and dehydration, the pressure to access suitable freshwater for land-based ecosystems also increases. […] The post Orange County Votes to Deny Construction of Desalination Facility appeared first on Bick Law LLP ..read more

The Environmental Protection Agency was met with a lawsuit in early May from a collection of Republican-led states over its decision to restore the Clean Air Act waiver for California. This waiver, which was reinstated in March of 2022, permits California to set its own standards for emissions regarding vehicles. California has faced long-term struggles with smog and air pollution, and for many, the waiver was perceived as a step […] The post Lawsuit Against EPA Follows Newly Reinstated California Waiver appeared first on Bick Law LLP ..read more

Complete with fresh cut lettuce, mayo, and a swirl of ketchup, served on a sesame seed bun, the Burger King Whopper stands as the choice lunch for the thousands of customers who consume it daily. While it is commonly held that Burger King, similar to most fast-food restaurants, lacks the nutritional advantages that humans demand, there may be a secondary danger associated with the infamous whopper endangering the health of […] The post Burger King Faces Retribution Over Hazardous Compounds in Whopper Packaging appeared first on Bick Law LLP ..read more

The Environmental Protection Agency celebrated a triumphant victory on Wednesday, March 9, when California recovered the authority to establish emission standards, enabling the state to tighten regulations on greenhouse gas emissions beyond federal requirements. This decision to reestablish California as a leader in the fight toward greener motor vehicle efficiency was delivered by the Biden administration, which reversed a Trump administration attempt to block the state from using its vast […] The post CALIFORNIA GRANTED POWER TO SELF-REGULATE AUTO EMISSION STANDARDS appeared first on Bick La ..read more

They are present on every body of water on Earth – from remote oceans currents to pristine mountain lakes – and they have even been identified in human placenta and lung tissues. Despite progress towards a cleaner, greener future, we have been unable to outrun the impending doom of microplastics. It is no secret that anthropocentric activities have introduced a host of plastics into the planet’s oceans, fundamentally restricting the […] The post California’s Microplastic Initiative to Turn the Tides of Plastic Pollution appeared first on Bick Law LLP ..read more