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.