The Federal Circuit held that the state of California did not infringe on an emissions trading-related patent, allowing the state's greenhouse gas emissions cap-and-trade program to continue. The plaintiff owns a U.S. patent that covers a method and apparatus for using electronic systems to claim an...

A district court held that the federal government must answer claims that it is liable for the cleanup of World War II-era hazardous waste from 12 oil refineries in seven states. Property owners brought a contribution claim against the U.S. government under CERCLA, claiming that the government exerc...

A district court held that owners of Volkswagen-branded franchise dealerships could move forward with their suit against an auto parts manufacturer over its alleged role in the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal. The dealers contended that the manufacturer conspired with Volkswagen to help create a...

The Fourth Circuit held that a proposed class of residents alleging that improper chemical disposal at a Frederick, Maryland, Army base contaminated their groundwater can't sue the government. The residents brought a claim under the Federal Torts Claim Act alleging that the Army negligently disposed...

A district court held that a solar energy company that entered into an agreement to close a landfill and turn it into a solar farm cannot recover closure costs under CERCLA. The solar company bought the property and entered into an agreement with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection...

A Louisiana appeals court held that an oil company's oilfield cleanup plan was properly rejected by a trial court. An oil company sued a larger oil company alleging environmental damage to its property caused by decades of oil and gas exploration activities. The larger company was found 100% liable ...