US Liable for Environmental Remediation Costs Under Contract Clauses
Client Alert | 1 min read | 11.04.11
On October 31, the Court of Federal Claims in Exxon Mobil Corp. v. U.S. held that the government was liable for environmental cleanup costs because it had breached the “Taxes” clause in three World War II-era contracts under which the government had agreed to pay “any new or additional . . . charges” required by federal, state, or local law “by reason of the production, manufacture, sale or delivery” of aviation gasoline. Exxon continues the trend of recovery of environmental remediation costs under government contracts and is consistent with ongoing efforts to recover environmental remediation costs and toxic tort litigation defense costs under Public Law 85-804 indemnification provisions in Cold War-era contracts being conducted for clients by C&M.
Contacts
Insights
Client Alert | 4 min read | 02.20.26
SCOTUS Holds IEEPA Tariffs Unlawful
On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court issued a pivotal ruling in Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, negating the President’s ability to impose tariffs under IEEPA. The case stemmed from President Trump’s invocation of IEEPA to levy tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, China, and other countries, citing national emergencies. Challengers argued—and the Court agreed—that IEEPA does not delegate tariff authority to the President. The power to tariff is vested in Congress by the Constitution and cannot be delegated to the President absent express authority from Congress.
Client Alert | 7 min read | 02.20.26
Section 5949 Proposed Rule Puts the FAR Council's Chips on the Table
Client Alert | 5 min read | 02.20.26
Trump Administration Pursues MFN Pricing for Prescription Drugs
Client Alert | 4 min read | 02.19.26
Proposed NY Legislation May Mean Potential Criminal Charges for Unlicensed Crypto Firms
