Law Office of Jennifer F. Novak

06/11/2026

How did the U.S. Supreme Court change environmental regulation forever? In this episode of the ABCs of Environmental Law, California environmental attorney Jennifer Novak explains the rise and fall of Chevron Deference, the Supreme Court’s 2024 decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, and what it means for the future of EPA regulations, environmental litigation, and agency authority.

For decades, Chevron Deference allowed federal agencies like EPA to interpret ambiguous laws using scientific and technical expertise. But the Supreme Court’s recent ruling shifts that power away from agencies and back to judges, creating major implications for environmental regulation, administrative law, and business compliance nationwide.

This video also explains why California may be different. Under California’s Yamaha doctrine, state courts still give substantial deference to agencies like CARB and the Regional Water Boards when interpreting complex environmental regulations.

If you follow environmental law, administrative law, climate regulation, CERCLA, Clean Water Act enforcement, or California regulatory policy, subscribe for practical legal insights and analysis.

06/10/2026

06/03/2026

What is CEQA, and why is it California’s most controversial environmental law? In this video, we demystify the California Environmental Quality Act and explain how it actually impacts development, housing, and infrastructure projects across the state.

Many people think CEQA is a blanket ban on development. In reality, it is a disclosure statute. It forces government agencies to analyze and disclose the environmental impacts of a proposed project—like traffic, air quality, and wildlife disruption—before approving it. Whether you are a developer navigating the approval process or a community member concerned about local growth, understanding how CEQA works is essential.

06/03/2026

Nerd alert!

05/28/2026

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05/28/2026

Ever wonder what "constituents" actually mean in environmental science?

Hint: It has nothing to do with voting!

In this video, we break down how environmental law classifies chemical compounds in our soil, water, and air—and why simply detecting something doesn't always mean you are in legal trouble.

What You'll Learn:
The Definition: What a constituent actually is in environmental science.
The Turning Point: When a harmless natural element becomes a legal liability.
Legal Terms Explained: What regulatory agencies mean by "constituents of concern."
Risk vs. Detection: Why discovering a chemical doesn't automatically trigger a costly cleanup mandate.

Whether you are a California landowner, business owner, or environmental advocate, understanding these scientific distinctions can save you from major regulatory headaches.

About Us:The Law Office of Jennifer F. Novak represents property owners and businesses in environmental litigation, compliance, and remediation oversight throughout California.

05/20/2026

Background levels are the concentrations of chemicals that are already present in the environment. It can be the level that a government agency wants you to reach in a cleanup. It can also be what's already in the region or natural environment. It can even be higher than cleanup levels.

Many “chemicals” are completely natural and can be present without any human release. They still can be harmful. And it's also true that human activity like agriculture or industry can add to those levels. That’s where things get complicated. Defining background isn’t always straightforward.

And in the remediation world, if you can show your site conditions are consistent with background levels, your cleanup obligations — and your costs — may change significantly.

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05/15/2026

Trading legal briefs for bowling shoes! Jennifer had a blast connecting with the South Bay and Torrance ProVisors groups last week at Level Up Bowl & Bistro.

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