The incoming Biden administration’s focus on environmental justice and climate change is expected to shift the emphasis in Superfund cleanups as well.
President-elect Joe Biden’s plan includes establishing an environmental and climate justice division within the Justice Department. It also focuses on monitoring pollution in so-called fenceline communities that are adjacent to companies, and preparing for “climate disasters.”
Those priorities are likely to mean the Environmental Protection Agency will consider climate change preparedness an important factor when selecting and implementing cleanup remedies, said Steve Jawetz, principal at Beveridge & Diamond PC in Washington.
Those adjustments could mean elevating essential facilities...