EPA targets 'environmental racism.' (part 1)

Article Abstract:

The Clinton administration's EPA plans to make environmental equity one of its top priorities. The agency has opened an Office of Environmental Equity to help accomplish its aims and is focusing on community economic development and efforts to educate the public. In the courts, the most common basis for environmental racism cases has so far been the equal protection clause. The statute's requirement of evidence of discriminatory intent has been difficult to meet but future plaintiffs may succeed. Legislation to help bring about environmental equity has also been introduced in Congress.

Social aspects, Environmental policy, Environmental justice

---

Creativity helps companies cut penalties

Article Abstract:

Companies penalized by the EPA for violation of environmental laws may cut their penalties, and re-examine and refurbish their compliance system by negotiating what the agency calls a supplemental environmental project. Pollution prevention projects which focus on the use of recycled waste, restoration projects which enhance the site above its pre-polluted condition and public awareness projects have all resulted in favorable penalty reductions. The amount of reduction the EPA allows depends in part upon the amount the company will save outright from its project.

Remedies, Liability for environmental damages, Offenses against the environment, Environmental crimes

---

Tax treatment of cleanup costs at issue

Article Abstract:

CERCLA has made the income tax treatment of hazardous waste site cleanup expenses a key financial issue for corporations. Corporations need above all to know whether environmental auditing and remediation expenses are deductible or must be capitalized. IRC 162 allows deductions for 'ordinary and necessary expenses,' so whether cleanup costs can be so characterized will determine their deductibility. Businesses also need to know the tax treatment of environmental penalties and the tax implications of using a qualified settlement fund for cleanup expenses.

Economic aspects, Bioremediation, Environmental engineering, Toxic torts

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Advantage government; is it easier for the government to win in the Supreme Court? RICO's reach; Supreme Court identifies limit to statute's application
• Abstracts: Lawyers have not had a general duty to protect third parties from the bad acts of a client. An increasing number of federal courts have ADR procedures
• Abstracts: Environmentalists: the new nattering nabobs of negativism. Corporate welfare remains unchecked
• Abstracts: Recent changes in the tax laws affecting multinational corporations in certain trading partners of the United States
• Abstracts: Lincoln as lawyer: a portrait: a new book sheds light on his legal career. Here, its author speaks. Recruiters see a warm front over horizon; a thaw could be developing in the legal job market

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.