In this two-part episode, we examine the history of Love Canal, America’s most notorious toxic waste dump, which prompted the passage of CERCLA. In part one, Thompson Hine attorney Nathan Hunt tells the story of William Love and his ambitious plan to build a perfect city powered by free hydroelectricity in Niagara Falls, New York. Little did Love know that history would forever associate him with toxic waste instead of his ideal city. Nathan will explain who William Love was, his vision for the perfect city, why he wanted to build it in Niagara Falls, how he planned to get people and businesses to move to Niagara Falls, and why (spoiler alert!) the project ultimately failed. Part two will cover the environmental catastrophe that made Love Canal a household name in the 1970s and galvanized support for the passage of CERCLA in 1980.

Environmental L.A.W.S. - Love Canal Part One

In this two-part episode, we examine the history of Love Canal, America’s most notorious toxic waste dump, which prompted the passage of CERCLA. In part one, Thompson Hine attorney Nathan Hunt tells the story of William Love and his ambitious plan to build a perfect city powered by free hydroelectricity in Niagara Falls, New York. Little did Love know that history would forever associate him with toxic waste instead of his ideal city. Nathan will explain who William Love was, his vision for the perfect city, why he wanted to build it in Niagara Falls, how he planned to get people and businesses to move to Niagara Falls, and why (spoiler alert!) the project ultimately failed. Part two covers the environmental catastrophe that made Love Canal a household name in the 1970s and galvanized support for the passage of CERCLA in 1980.

02162024 Environmental L.A.W.S. - Love Canal - Part 2

In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation practice groups and co-chair of our ESG Collaborative, hosts a one-on-one
conversation with Megan Belcher, Chief Legal & External Affairs Officer Megan Belcherat Scoular, a global agribusiness company. She leads the company’s legal, brand marketing, corporate communications, and sustainability and ESG functions. Megan is also a member of Scoular’s board of directors.

This discussion originally took place as part of our Power Huddle: Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus series. These conversations examine how company executives from various industries are actively paving the way as ESG trendsetters and championing pragmatic ESG strategies to align with business values while building a sustainability framework to advance their company’s ESG goals and practices.

Inside The Minds Of ESG Gurus – Scoular - Megan Belcher

In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation practice groups and co-chair of our ESG Collaborative, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Susan Lester, former Senior Director of ESG at Otis Elevator, the world’s largest provider of elevators, escalators and moving walkways. While at Otis, she provided counsel, thought leadership and trendspotting on all aspects of ESG and sustainability. Prior to joining Otis, Susan created and managed the ESG program at McDonald’s.

This discussion originally took place as part of our Power Huddle: Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus series. These conversations examine how company executives from various industries are actively paving the way as ESG trendsetters and championing pragmatic ESG strategies to align with business values while building a sustainability framework to advance their company’s ESG goals and practices.

4.9.2024 - Environmental L.A.W.S. - Inside The Minds Of ESG Gurus - Otis

HFC Phasedown & Regulation: Turning Up the Heat to Turn Down Global Warming

Joel Eagle, partner, and Ashley Kirk, associate in Thompson Hine’s Environmental practice group are joined in this episode of Environmental L.A.W.S. by guest Alex Sadvari,an environmental lawyer and partner in the Toronto, Canada office of Gowling WLG. Joel, Ashley, and Alex discuss the international phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are widely used in the refrigerant, propellant, and foam blowing industries, and examine the similarities and differences in the U.S. and Canadian approaches to HFC regulation. They also explore the international agreements governing HFC regulation, discuss why HFC regulation and phasedowns are important tools for combatting climate change, and provide insight into some of the challenges U.S. and Canadian entities face in complying with changing HFC regulations.

Environmental L.A.W.S. - HFC Phasedown & Regulation - 6.2024

Supreme Court’s Loper Decision: Immediate and Long-Term Impacts on EPA Regulation

In our latest podcast episode, partner Devin Barry and managing associate Aren Olson from Thompson Hine’s Environmental practice group discuss the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo on pending U.S. EPA regulations. They delve into the concept of "Chevron deference," examining how the Loper decision affects this principle and its subsequent impact on some of the U.S. EPA’s most contested rules under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, such as the Greenhouse Gas Rule for utilities, the Good Neighbor Rule and WOTUS.

Environmental L.A.W.S.   Supreme Court’s Loper Decision

Conversations With ESG Gurus

Environmental L.A.W.S.

In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation practice groups and co-chair of our ESG Collaborative, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Su Ping Lu, Vice President, Corporate Secretary and General Counsel for ESG and International at Honeywell. Su Ping’s responsibilities weave together SEC compliance, securities offerings, corporate governance, M&A and other corporate transactions, ESG initiatives, ethical frameworks, political law navigation, cybersecurity measures and international counsel.

This discussion originally took place as part of our Power Huddle: Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus series. These conversations examine how company executives from various industries are actively paving the way as ESG trendsetters and championing pragmatic ESG strategies to align with business values while building a sustainability framework to advance their company’s ESG goals and practices.

7.302024- Environmental L.A.W.S. - Inside The Minds Of ESG Gurus - Honeywell

Preparing for a Second Trump Administration: Reversals, Rescissions and Rollbacks

In our latest episode, partner Tanya Nesbitt interviews Nathan Frey, the former Deputy Branch Chief at the White House Office of Management and Budget Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs and the founder and current owner of Regulatory Strategies and Solutions Group, about the upcoming presidential transition. They discuss potential rules and policy positions the president-elect may seek to reverse in his second term, such as the SEC Climate Disclosure Rule. The discussion includes analysis of how the Congressional Review Act may play a role in the creation of the president-elect’s environmental agenda. Other topics include the future of the PFAS CERCLA rule and the president-elect’s energy agenda. 


12.20.2024_Environmental L.A.W.S. - Preparing for a Second Trump Administration

1.27.2025_Environmental L..A.W.S. - PFAS Analysis and the Precautionary Principle

In our latest episode, partner Tanya C. Nesbitt interviews Dr. Jen Wollenberg of Integral Consulting, a leading U.S. science, engineering, and environmental consulting firm, about an emergent contaminant: microplastics. From our tap water and food to consumer products and even the air we breathe, tiny plastic particles have made their way into nearly every corner of our world—and our bodies. Tanya and Dr. Wollenberg examine the science, sources, regulatory landscape, and what the growing presence of microplastics might mean for the manufacturing and consumer goods industries. As the science evolves and public awareness grows, microplastics are increasingly becoming a focal point for litigation, product liability, environmental compliance, and sustainability disclosure. The discussion examines what companies should be thinking about now to stay ahead of the curve as regulatory pressures mount.

Environmental L..A.W.S. - Pollution You Can't See - 7.2025

Regulating Responsibility: The Rise of EPR

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is quickly reshaping how companies approach packaging, waste management, and sustainability. With new state laws emerging across the U.S., established frameworks in Canada, and global models influencing policy, businesses are navigating both complex compliance challenges and new opportunities.
 
In this episode of Environmental L.A.W.S., Tanya Nesbitt sits down with Gareth McDonald, Principal Consultant at Worley Consulting, to break down what EPR really means in practice. They explore:

How EPR laws are taking shape across U.S. states

Lessons from Canada’s longer track record with EPR

Cross-border and global compliance considerations

Where EPR policy is headed in the next five years 

Whether you advise companies, manage sustainability programs, or want a clearer view of the future of product stewardship, this conversation offers practical insights and a forward-looking perspective.

92025_Environmental LAWS_Regulating Responsibility_The Rise of EPR

Conversations With ESG Gurus 
In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation groups and co-chair of our Corporate Sustainability practice, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Beth Grove, Chief Sustainability Officer and VP of Public Affairs at Lubrizol Corporation. Beth also serves as President of the Lubrizol Foundation, where she leads the company’s sustainability strategy across environmental, social and governance initiatives, as well as overseeing government affairs, community engagement and philanthropy.
This discussion originally took place as part of our Power Huddle: Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus series. These conversations examine how company executives from various industries are actively paving the way as ESG trendsetters and championing pragmatic ESG strategies to align with business values while building a sustainability framework to advance their company’s ESG goals and practices. 


Environmental L.A.W.S. - Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus - Lubrizol

In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation groups and co-chair of our Corporate Sustainability practice, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Kim Yapchai, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Teichert, Inc. With nearly 30 years of legal and business experience, Kim is a seasoned C-suite leader known for navigating complex legal challenges for multinational corporations. 

This discussion originally took place as part of our Power Huddle: Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus series. These conversations examine how company executives from various industries are actively paving the way as ESG trendsetters and championing pragmatic ESG strategies to align with business values while building a sustainability framework to advance their company’s ESG goals and practices. 


Environmental L.A.W.S. - Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus - Teichert

Conversations With ESG Gurus
In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation groups and co-chair of our Corporate Sustainability practice, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Farhana Morales, Adjunct Professor at the University of Colorado Denver Business School and Senior Manager of Corporate Responsibility and ESG at the Target Corporation. Farhana brings more than two decades of ESG and sustainability experience, including extensive work in the oil and gas industry. At the University, she teaches an innovative ESG course that guides graduate students through developing comprehensive sustainability strategies. 
This discussion originally took place as part of our Power Huddle: Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus series. These conversations examine how company executives from various industries are actively paving the way as ESG trendsetters and championing pragmatic ESG strategies to align with business values while building a sustainability framework to advance their company’s ESG goals and practices.

Environmental L.A.W.S. - Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus - University of Colorado

In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation groups and co-chair of our Corporate Sustainability practice, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Mindy Kairis,  Director of Regulatory Law and Government Affairs at Owens Corning. Mindy develops and implements company policies to maintain compliance with environmental laws and uphold rigorous health and safety standards, while also leading sustainability programs aimed at achieving organizational goals and aligning with international reporting frameworks. 

Environmental L.A.W.S. - Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus - Owens Corning

In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation groups and co-chair of our Corporate Sustainability practice, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Danielle Doza, Vice President of Sustainability and Environmental Services for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rock Entertainment Group, the first senior-level sustainability role in the NBA. Danielle leads enterprise-wide initiatives spanning sustainable operations, procurement and reporting, while also supporting marketing, communications and partnership development to embed sustainability throughout the organization.

This discussion originally took place as part of our Power Huddle: Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus series. These conversations examine how company executives from various industries are actively paving the way as ESG trendsetters and championing pragmatic ESG strategies to align with business values while building a sustainability framework to advance their company’s ESG goals and practices. 


Environmental L.A.W.S. - Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus - Cleveland Cavaliers

In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental and Product Liability Litigation groups and co-chair of our Corporate Sustainability practice, hosts a one-on-one conversation with Effie Silva, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. With 20 years of experience at global law firms, she has advised corporate leaders on governance, regulatory matters, M&A and international disputes. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of International Arbitration (FCIArb) and a board-certified expert in international litigation, she holds leadership roles in multiple organizations and is an NACD Certified Director and member of the Latino Corporate Directors Association.

This discussion originally took place as part of our Power Huddle: Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus series. These conversations examine how company executives from various industries are actively paving the way as ESG trendsetters and championing pragmatic ESG strategies to align with business values while building a sustainability framework to advance their company’s ESG goals and practices. 


Environmental L.A.W.S. - Inside the Minds of ESG Gurus - Fresh Del Monte

March 10, 2017 - This episode features Cassandra Borchers, a partner in Thompson Hine’s Investment Management practice group, discussing the annual update of Form ADV for registered investment advisers and exempt reporting advisers.

Market Matters: Annual Update of Form ADV

April 26, 2017 - This episode features Craig A. Foster and Joshua Hinderliter, associates in Thompson Hine’s Investment Management practice group, discussing an important issue that particularly affects investment advisers who serve retail clients as America’s senior population continues to increase: how to appropriately and effectively serve clients who have diminished financial capacity and may be vulnerable to financial abuse.

Market Matters: Serving Clients With Diminished Financial Capacity

June 7, 2017 - This episode features Edward C. Redder, a partner in the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice, and Emily M. Little, an associate in the firm’s Investment Management practice group, discussing the impact of the Department of Labor’s Fiduciary Rule on the investment management industry. The Fiduciary Rule will become applicable on June 9, 2017.

Market Matters: Fiduciary Rule Impact

We are pleased to share with you the inaugural episode of 
Workplace Wisdom, our podcast series that explores labor and
 employment legal issues, regulatory developments, trends and other significant topics affecting in-house counsel and HR professionals.

In this episode, Eric Clark, a partner in our Labor & Employment practice, and Ted Copetas, a partner at Eberly McMahon Copetas LLC, share strategies in managing the risks associated with workplace termination decisions. They will discuss the effectiveness of release agreements, outline acceptable reasons for workplace termination and provide guidance in dealing with retaliation and discrimination affecting protected classes.

Their topics include:

What drives employees to seek legal counsel after a termination

Navigating former employees’ rights after undergoing the exit process

Trending topics in litigation over the effectiveness of releases

Workplace Wisdom: EmployeeTerminations

Thompson Hine is pleased to share with you the latest episode of Market Matters, our podcast series that explores legal and regulatory issues affecting the investment management industry.

In this episode, Mike Wible, a partner in our Investment Management practice, and Nathan Holmes, a partner in our Tax and Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practices, discuss proposed amendments to the proxy rules that would more substantively regulate proxy advisory firms.  Topics discussed include:  
The proposed codification of the SEC’s interpretation that proxy voting advice is a “solicitation” under the proxy rules; Additional disclosure and notice requirements that would apply to proxy voting advisers;  and The application of anti-fraud rules to proxy voting advisers

Market Matters: Proposed Proxy Rule Amendments

In this episode, Eric Clark, a partner in our Labor & Employment practice, and April Miller Boise, Former Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of Meritor, share tips on how to build your career. They will discuss various strategies in defining professional goals and how to take a proactive approach to achieving them.
Some key topics include: Establishing a vision of what your personal success looks like, Taking charge of your career, Exercising initiative and being proactive, Prioritizing your strengths and weaknesses; Getting to know your organization and how it defines success; and Staying visible and promoting your personal successes

WorkplaceWisdom: HowToWinAtYourCareer 012020

In anticipation of the release of its first podcast episode, Thompson Hine’s Environmental practice group is pleased to share this trailer for its Environmental L.A.W.S. podcast. 

Environmental L.A.W.S. will explore current topics in environmental, health and safety laws in the United States from the perspective of Thompson Hine environmental attorneys, the regulated community, regulators and the occasional special guest.  We’ll cover a wide range of issues in the areas of Land, Air, Water and Safety – L.A.W.S.

Environmental L.A.W.S. Trailer

"Learning from the Past – and Preparing for the Future:  Environmental Compliance in a Changed World," a discussion between Thompson Hine partners Devin Barry and Joel Eagle.

In this podcast, Devin shares some observations on clients’ compliance challenges arising from COVID-19, and discusses with Joel how these challenges can be used to develop future COVID-19 compliance and enforcement defense strategies.  Join us for his lively discussion that will be of interest to in-house counsel and EHS managers interested in proactively addressing compliance as the pandemic continues to create compliance challenges through 2020.

Environmental L.A.W.S.:  Learning From The Past – And Preparing For The Future - 08032020

In this episode, Andy shares his insights on strategic considerations for companies closing former manufacturing plants (something happening more frequently as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic) that can lead to favorable outcomes in terms of complying with legal requirements, conducting cost-effective cleanups and maximizing the sale price. Andy and Wray discuss the pros and cons of mothballing former manufacturing properties, the risks and benefits of Phase II sampling to help quantify cleanup costs, long-term risk management considerations, and the key elements of effective corporate-wide plant closing and remediation programs. Join us for this lively discussion that will be of interest to in-house counsel, EHS managers and corporate real estate professionals who are facing (or will face) the challenges presented by plant closures.

Environmental  L.A.W.S. - Manufacturing Plant Closures 092020

Thompson Hine is pleased to share with you the latest episode of Market Matters, our podcast series that explores legal and regulatory issues affecting the investment management industry.

As a follow-up to our November 2019 podcast discussing last year’s proposed amendments to the SEC’s proxy voting rules, this second installment explores the final amendments as adopted, as well as guidance issued by the SEC to investment advisers regarding their proxy voting responsibilities. Mike Wible, a partner in our Investment Management practice joins Nathan Holmes, a partner in our Tax and Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practices, to examine the latest developments and impacts of the newly adopted rules and guidance.

Key topics include: Changes from the SEC’s 2019 Proposing Release and responses from proxy advisory firms

Ensuring client access to more transparent, accurate and complete proxy voting information

Effective dates and practical considerations for issuer companies

Market Matters: SEC Amends Proxy Voting Advice Rules

A discussion between Thompson Hine partners Terry Fay and Joel Eagle

In this episode, Terry Fay, a partner in our Environmental practice group, shares his insights regarding the criminalization of environmental law and, in particular, responding to the execution of a criminal search warrant. With experience garnered over a legal career entering its fifth decade, Terry describes the factors that might lead the government to criminally prosecute individuals and corporations for environmental violations, the process by which the government obtains a criminal search warrant, and what to expect when government agents, some of them armed, appear at your manufacturing plant with a search warrant. Terry and environmental partner Joel Eagle discuss what a company should and should not do while the government is conducting its search and provide suggested best practices for preparing for (the unexpected) search warrant and post-execution responses.

Environmental L.A.W.S. - Exploring the Criminalization of Environmental Law

A discussion between Thompson Hine partner Heidi Friedman and associate Tasha Miracle

In this episode, Heidi Friedman, a partner in our Environmental practice group, shares her thoughts with environmental associate Tasha Miracle as they honor U.S. Supreme Court Justice and American icon, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Drawing from over 25 years of practicing environmental law, Heidi provides valuable insight on specific decisions, opinions and dissents that RBG authored and joined which ultimately helped shape the current landscape of U.S. environmental law. This special tribute spotlights RBG’s legacy and examines what her absence could mean for future Supreme Court decisions.  

This podcast is for informational purposes only.  It provides general information and not legal advice or opinions regarding specific facts. You may not edit, modify or redistribute this podcast without permission.

Environmental L.A.W.S. - Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs Impact On The Legal Profession

In this episode, Environmental Counsel Nathan Hunt is joined by Jackie Baxley, EHS Practice Leader at HRP Associates, to discuss the dos and don’ts in OSHA enforcement cases and examine the different roles EHS legal counsel and consultants play in such cases. Jackie and Nathan provide an overview of a typical OSHA enforcement case (2:00-8:30), dive into some pre-enforcement measures companies can take to minimize the risk of enforcement (8:31-26.00), offer practical tips regarding how to navigate an OSHA inspection (26:01-46:00), and describe options companies have if they receive an OSHA citation (46:01-1:04;15). Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that will be of interest to in-house counsel and EHS personnel.

Environmental L.A.W.S. - Practical Tips On Navigating OSHA Inspections December 2020

In this episode, Andrew Kolesar of Thompson Hine is joined by Harry Dahme of Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP for a wide-ranging discussion of hot topics under Canadian environmental laws. Harry is a well-known and widely respected environmental law specialist in Gowling’s Toronto office. Harry provides his insights on Canadian product stewardship programs; registration requirements for COVID related devices and products; legislative and legal developments relating to the duty to consult with First Nations (or indigenous peoples) and how this will affect project development in Canada; regulatory developments affecting the remediation of contaminated sites and brownfields redevelopment; and the federal government proposal to ban certain single-use plastic products. 

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that will be of interest to in-house counsel and EHS managers for companies that have operations in Canada or sell products and services to the Canadian marketplace.

Environmental L.A.W.S. Hot Topics Under Canadian Environmental Laws 022021

Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 8 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The 
American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. Thompson Hine has distinguished itself in all areas of Service Delivery Innovation in the BTI Brand Elite, where it has been recognized as one of the top 4 firms for “Value for the Dollar” and “Commitment to Help” and among the top 5 firms “making changes to improve the client experience.” The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTH® – a smarter way to work –  predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more 
information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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