ELR Citation: ELR 20442
No(s). 89-CV-71165-DT (E.D. Mich. Sep 25, 1989)

The court rules that successor corporations are not liable under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) for their predecessor's actions. Although successor liability may be desirable as a matter of policy, Congress specifically limited CERCLA liability to past and present owners or operators, generators, and transporters. Courts may develop federal common law to supplement the statute only when the statute is ambiguous.

Counsel for Plaintiffs
Ann F. Goodman
Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone
One Michigan Ave., Ste. 900, Lansing MI 48933
(517) 487-2070

Counsel for Defendants
Paul E. Gutermann
Squire, Sanders & Dempsey
1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, P.O. Box 407, Washington DC 20044
(202) 626-6600