News & Insights

D.C. Circuit Applies ‘Loper Bright’ and Uses Textual Interpretation to Uphold Designation of 2 PFAS Compounds as Hazardous Under CERCLA

In a recent article published by The Legal Intelligencer, partner Charlie Dennen examines the D.C. Circuit’s decision upholding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). ...read more

EPA Proposes Rule to Repeal Federal Drinking Water Regulations for Certain PFAS Compounds

In an article written for the Legal Intelligencer, partner Charlie Dennen explains that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule to repeal federal drinking water regulations for several PFAS compounds—specifically PFHxS, PFNA, GenX (HFPO-DA), and the Hazard Index used for mixtures involving those chemicals and PFBS—arguing that the prior standards were promulgated through an “unlawful process” and did not properly follow the Safe Drinking Water Act’s required steps for setting enforceable limits. The article outlines the EPA’s prior 2024 rule establishing maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS, the agency’s subsequent reconsideration in 2025, and its current position that the mixture-based Hazard Index and several individual PFAS limits exceeded statutory authority and misapplied feasibility and risk-assessment requirements. Charlie further highlights the EPA’s reliance on the Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which eliminated Chevron deference and requires courts to independently interpret statutory meaning, increasing legal risk for agency rulemaking. While the proposal would remove monitoring and treatment obligations for the affected PFAS, he notes the relief may be temporary because the EPA has indicated it will continue evaluating these substances for possible future regulation, even as separate standards for PFOA and PFOS remain in place and continue to drive most PFAS-related compliance obligations. ...read more

Deference to State Agencies Remains Strong Under New Jersey Law

In an article for the New Jersey Law Journal, attorneys Carlos Bollar, Charlie Dennen and Thomas Tyrrell write that the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division’s recent decision upholding the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Environmental Justice Rules sends a clear message: judicial deference to state agency action remains firmly entrenched under New Jersey law, notwithstanding the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo. ...read more

USEPA Announces Proposal to End Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program

On September 12, 2025, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) formally announced a proposed rule to end the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP). The GHGRP applies to 47 source categories and covers approximately 8,000 facilities throughout the United States, requiring power plants, refineries, chemical plans, fossil fuel and industrial gas suppliers, and carbon dioxide injection sites to report greenhouse gas emission data on an annual basis. ...read more

USEPA Announces Drinking Water MCLs for PFOA and PFOS Will Remain in Place

On May 14, 2025, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced significant developments in the enforcement of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) passed under the Biden Administration that established legally-enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. ...read more

New Jersey “Climate Superfund Act” Clears Senate Committee

On December 12, 2024, the New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee advanced the “Climate Superfund Act,” a bill moving through the New Jersey Legislature which, if enacted, would impose liability on certain fossil fuel companies for certain damages caused by climate change. The bill also establishes a program within the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) to collect and distribute compensatory payments. The bill was originally introduced in the New Jersey Senate as S-3545 on September 12, 2024, by Senator John McKeon. An identical bill sponsored by Assemblyman John Allen as A-4696 is also pending in the New Jersey General Assembly. ...read more

Summer Associate Programs Foster a 'Collegial, Collaborative Environment' Among Future Lawyers

An article examining summer associate programs at New Jersey law firms features Archer’s Summer 1L Program, highlighting the firm’s commitment to mentorship, professional development, and meaningful, hands-on legal experience for the next generation of lawyers. Archer Hiring Committee Co-Chair Charlie Dennen is quoted in the article describing the program’s opportunities for law students to work closely with attorneys across practice areas and experience Archer’s collegial, collaborative environment. ...read more

Charles Dennen Elected President of the South Jersey Young Professionals Association

Archer is pleased to announce that Charles J. Dennen, a partner in the firm’s Environmental Law Group, was recently elected to serve as President of the South Jersey Young Professionals Association (SJYPA) for a one-year term. Charlie has been serving on SJYPA’s Board of Trustees for 4 years, and previously served on the SJYPA Advisory Board. ...read more

Archer Announces Election of Seven New Partners

Archer is pleased to announce that seven attorneys have been elected to the partnership, effective May 23, 2022. Attorneys Daniel Chertok, Daniel DeFiglio, Charles Dennen, Bryan Hall, Nicole McDonough, William Rogers and Christian Stueben have been promoted to partner. ...read more

Charles Dennen to be Featured on "Irish Coffee Hour" Podcast With the SJYPA

Archer associate Charles Dennen will be featured on the "Irish Coffee Hour" podcast with members of the South Jersey Young Professionals Association on March 22, 2021. ...read more

The Evolving Role of Government in Environmental Litigation

Attorneys Vinita Banthia, Charles Dennen and Daniel Farino will be presenting on "The Evolving Role of Government in Environmental Litigation," at the New Jersey State Bar Association's Annual Meeting & Convention. In both state court and federal courts, New Jersey practitioners are seeing an uptick of government-led and government-involved litigation involving emerging and expanding theories of liability and damages. Many of these actions involve so-called emerging contaminants, or contaminants for which new standards are being set. Our  litigation attorneys will discuss and examine the changing landscape in environmental law, and preview what New Jersey attorneys may expect to see as the government’s role in environmental litigation continues to evolve. ...read more

Ask Archer: A Fireside Chat on Pennsylvania's Proposed Drinking Water Standard for PFAS: What does it mean, and what is next?

When: Friday, April 22, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM EST ...read more

Ask Archer: A Fireside Chat on a Recent Appellate Division Decision Regarding Supplier Liability under New Jersey’s Spill Act

When: Thursday, June 3, 2021  10:00am – 10:30am ...read more