Toxic Torts & Environmental

Hughes Hubbard & Reed serves domestic and international clients in a wide range of environmental matters. We have environmental law experience on both the national and local levels and minimize risk for our clients by devising pragmatic solutions. We offer a depth of service typically found only in environmental specialty firms, along with a breadth of talent—including corporate, real estate and litigation—available only in a full-service firm.

We represent clients in criminal and civil matters before all federal, state and local environmental agencies and in environmental litigation from coast to coast. Our outstanding rate of success can be attributed to our lawyers’ skill, dedication and strong technical capabilities.  

Our success in litigation arising under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) stretches back to the 1980s, when we represented one of the primary defendants in City of New York v. Exxon Corp. This was one of the first major cost recovery cases after the 1980 enactment of CERCLA, which holds companies that contributed to the contamination of a site liable for cleanup costs. In the following years, we handled the defense of chemical manufacturers, including Chemical Specialties and SNF, in numerous additional CERCLA cases, as well as suits brought under corollary state laws. We have also defended a Canadian oil refiner in numerous matters involving methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) over allegations of contaminated groundwater.

In addition to handling contested matters, we regularly counsel clients about the laws governing air pollution, groundwater and surface water quality, soil contamination and indoor environmental quality (including such matters as asbestos abatement and removal, regulations governing removal of lead paint and “ sick-building”  issues). On human health and safety issues, our experience covers the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, epidemiological issues, product safety and liability, toxic torts and pesticide registration and transfer matters.