The Guardian and Consumer Reports studied samples from water systems across the US and found concerning levels of arsenic, lead and PFAS. Although the study is limited by single-day data that might not represent a holistic view of water quality, the results offer insight into problems with US drinking water.

The recent leak at the Piney Point wastewater pond in Florida highlights the problems with using open-air wastewater ponds to store coal ash and other hazardous substances. Environmental activists say the use of such ponds is under-regulated in agricultural operations, and Daniel Estrin of the Waterkeeper Alliance calls them "an irresponsible way to store very dangerous waste."

Researchers used mass spectrometry to detect more than 100 chemicals in the bodies of pregnant women and their newborns, according to findings published in Environmental Science and Technology. The chemicals found include perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, along with phthalates.

The Environmental Protection Agency will take a stronger approach to enforcing environmental regulations in underserved communities that are vulnerable to pollution. "Too many communities whose residents are predominantly of color, Indigenous, or low-income continue to suffer from disproportionately high pollution levels and the resulting adverse health and environmental impacts," said Administrator Michael Regan.

President Joe Biden has issued a call to replace all water pipes and service lines containing lead as part of the American Jobs Plan. Biden wants Congress to allocate $45 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act grants, but experts say addressing lead contamination will be difficult because the size of the problem is unclear and the support of homeowners will be required.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has taken sustainability to a new level with its plans for Hotel Marcel, which is tapped to be the first hotel in the US to go all-electric with 100% self-generation. Rooftop solar panels and solar parking canopies will provide the energy for the Connecticut hotel designed by Bruce Becker.

There are many unknowns when a new administration takes office in the US. This article outlines what risk managers should consider when operating in a new environment.

2020 was the year of the special-purpose acquisition company, with more than 200 entities going public via SPACs last year alone. While the SPAC IPO boom continues, 2021 is also expected to be the year of the "de-SPAC." In this webinar replay, Aon and esteemed panelists discuss the SPAC target approach, share insights with real-world case studies and demystify the de-SPACing process.