Joslyn Mfg. v. Valbruna Slater Steel
In brief
The Supreme Court refused to hear the case and did not decide which CERCLA claims the parties could pursue.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided · May 26, 2020
- What it’s about
- This case involves a legal dispute between Joslyn Manufacturing Company and Valbruna Slater Steel Corporation that was appealed from the Seventh Circuit. The Supreme Court was asked to review the lower court's decision via a petition for a writ of certiorari.
- Who it affects
- The Supreme Court gave Joslyn and Valbruna no answer on their CERCLA claims and did not rule for either side.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The questions concerned whether a government settlement can support a claim for a share of costs from different cleanup work and whether a party may also seek reimbursement for its own costs.
Question presented
1. Whether a party that has entered into a settlement with the government that resolves its liability for a "response action" or for "costs" of such an action may seek contribution under Section 113(f)(3)(B) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), 42 U.S.C. § 9613(f)(3)(B), for costs that it incurred in performing a different response action that was not the subject of the settlement. 2. Whether a party that has a contribution claim under Section 113(f) of CERCLA may also bring a claim for cost recovery under Section 107(a).
What the Court decided
Holding
Petition DENIED.
What's next
The Supreme Court's action on the petition is complete. The Seventh Circuit's decision remains in place for these parties, without a new Supreme Court ruling.
Documents
Docket activity
New analysis added
AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
New analysis added
New analysis added
New analysis added
Show 7 moreShow fewer
New analysis added
New analysis added
New analysis added
New analysis added
New analysis added
New analysis added
New analysis added
Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.