Sonda v. West Virginia Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
The Fourth Circuit reversed a district court order abstaining from ruling on constitutional claims brought by mineral interest owners challenging amendments to West Virginia's oil and gas conservation law. Plaintiffs argued the amendments, which for the first time authorized "unitization of interest...
Regulation of Products With PFAS
From cookware to dental floss to stain-resistant fabrics, PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, pervade modern life. PFAS are a family of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have a variety of unique qualities that make them useful in industrial and consumer product applications. Unfortunately, there is a growing scientific recognition that many PFAS come with a cost to public health and the environment. While federal and state action is just beginning for PFAS and the regulatory landscape is changing quickly, the toxicity of many PFAS has been well-established.
Animal Legal Defense Fund v. Reynolds
The Eighth Circuit reversed a district court ruling in a challenge to Iowa's "ag gag" law that criminalizes undercover investigations at agricultural production facilities. Initially, the law prohibited the facilities from being accessed under false pretenses as well as prohibited false statements o...
Migrant Clinicians Network v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Ninth Circuit granted in part and denied in part environmental and public interest groups' petition to review EPA's amended pesticide registrations of streptomycin sulfate for use in combating citrus diseases. The groups argued EPA's determination that the registration would not cause "unreasona...