Disruptions to normal business operations resulting from COVID-19 present particular challenges for compliance with environmental requirements.  Regulatory agencies typically consider environmental compliance to be an “essential activity” but practical limitations, such restrictions on travel and unavailability of consultants or contractors whose assistance is necessary to conduct certain compliance tasks, may nonetheless pose real world obstacles. 

Our lawyers are closely monitoring guidance from regulatory authorities on these questions as it evolves, and are available to answer questions and assist with developing compliance strategies, such as evaluating possible claims of force majeure under consent decrees or other documents establishing compliance obligations and preparing notices to regulatory agencies to seek relief where available.

• The President's COVID-19 Executive Order Easing Regulatory Burdens, May 22, 2020
• 90-Day Tariff Relief Provides Retailers with Much-Needed Liquidity, April 27, 2020
• In First Month of COVID-19 Guidance, the California Regional Water Quality Control Boards Have Issued Hundreds of Approvals for Compliance Extensions Submitted by Regulated Entities, April 23, 2020
• D&O Insurance Issues Arising from the COVID-19 Crisis, April 22, 2020
• CalEPA, Stepping into the Perceived Breach, Issues COVID-19 Regulatory Compliance Statement, April 17, 2020
• EPA Continues Temporary COVID-19 Policies Despite Senators', States', Citizens Groups' Scrutiny, April 17, 2020
• EPA Cleanup Site Guidance Recognizes COVID-19 Challenges for Response Activities, April 10, 2020
• Misconceptions About EPA's Temporary Enforcement Discretion Policy for COVID-19, April 3, 2020
• Deciphering EPA's Temporary Enforcement Discretion Policy for COVID-19, March 27, 2020
• Maintaining Environmental Compliance During the Coronavirus Pandemic, March 27, 2020
• COVID-19 and the CRA Deadline: Status of the Natural Resources Regulatory Agenda, March 25, 2020
• TCEQ and RRC Issue COVID-19 Regulatory Guidance, March 24, 2020
• PHMSA Issues Notice of Stay of Enforcement to Pipeline Operators, March 23, 2020
• Socially-Distant Operation of California Infrastructure, March 23, 2020
• Compliance with State Water Board Requirements and Permits During California's Shelter-in-Place Order Associated with COVID-19, March 20, 2020
• OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, March 19, 2020
• Tools for Navigating Natural Resource Laws During a National Emergency, March 18, 2020