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.
Insights
Client Alert | 2 min read | 07.31.25
A Greater Sum of Certainty: ASBCA Weighs in on when Sum Certain Defense Is Not Waived
A recent Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals decision provides useful guidance on when the government may (or may not) waive its defense that a contractor’s claim failed to state a sum certain. In GE Renewables US, LLC, the contractor had submitted a claim to the contracting officer for a determination that the contractor had the right to an economic price adjustment (EPA) due to an inflation-related price increase. Notably, the contractor did not provide the value of its requested adjustment in its claim. The contracting officer denied the claim, and the contractor appealed to the Board.
Client Alert | 7 min read | 07.31.25
Significant Changes Are in the Works for EU Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Laws
Client Alert | 6 min read | 07.30.25
The new EU “Pharma Package”: Global (Orphan) Marketing Authorization
Client Alert | 4 min read | 07.29.25
Children first: How Ofcom’s Children’s code and age checks change the digital game
