Robinson Cole LLP
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Jonathan H. Schaefer provides experienced and reasoned advice to a wide range of regional, national, and international clients on environmental, health and safety, and energy matters.

He focuses his practice on environmental compliance counseling, permitting, transactions, site remediation, occupational health and safety, energy regulatory compliance and siting, and regulatory enforcement related to federal and state regulatory programs. Jon’s experiences working on complex matters for over a decade enable him to work effectively with experts and in-house legal counsel to assist clients in minimizing risk and effectively and efficiently resolving compliance, enforcement, transactional, and regulatory matters.

Jon is also the editor of the Environmental Law+ blog, which presents clients and readers across a wide range of industries and businesses with a timely and thoughtful forum for discussion on environmental, health and safety, and energy topics.

Environmental Counseling

Jon consistently counsels clients in connection with their compliance efforts under a multitude of federal, state, and local environmental programs. He advises clients on site cleanup efforts and the costs and obligations related to such efforts. He has served on a Superfund site steering committee and provided counsel on brownfield clean-up efforts. He works closely with his clients, experts, and other lawyers to creatively solve his clients’ risk management challenges. Jon helps clients comply with all state and federal environmental laws, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; the Clean Air Act; the Clean Water Act; the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act; the Connecticut Transfer Act; and most other federal and state environmental statutes.

Health + Safety (OSHA)

Jon regularly counsels business clients on a multitude of health and safety issues that arise from their operations. He helps with the review of health and safety procedures, assists with EH+S audits, and works with clients to develop health and safety plans. He represents clients before the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, including evaluating alleged violations and defending clients against citations.

Environmental Transactions

Jon regularly advises a wide variety of corporate and individual clients on environmental risk and liability associated with transactions. Jon brings a reasoned and detailed approach to the management and allocation of risk and liability from his experiences representing both sellers and purchasers on transactions with complex environmental histories and futures. Jon’s focus in a transaction is to reach a closing where the client achieves the right balance of deal success and environmental risk.

Environmental - Dispute Resolution

When environmental disputes arise, Jon helps clients resolve problems through alternative dispute resolution. He also represents clients subject to environmental enforcement throughout the United States. Jon has experience representing clients in disputes involving federal and state environmental laws. This experience enables him to assist his clients with an appropriate strategy to position the client to pursue a favorable settlement or other resolution. He has assisted his clients in reaching favorable settlements with private parties and governmental agencies in several environmental and energy matters.

Energy Regulatory + Siting

Jon appears before state utility regulatory and siting authorities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire on energy, siting, and utility matters. He counsels renewable and alternative energy clients on regulatory compliance and appears regularly before the Connecticut Siting Council and Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

Pro Bono

Jon regularly does pro bono work. He assists the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center, by providing legal assistance to veterans who are facing eviction and representing veterans as they navigate through their benefit appeals.

Prior to joining Robinson+Cole, Jon interned with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and with the U.S. Attorney's Office. 

  • University of Connecticut School of Law (Juris Doctor, with honors)
  • The George Washington University (Bachelors)
    • B.A., Political Science

  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • State of Connecticut
  • State of Vermont
  • U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
  • U.S. Veterans Administration

Presented with the 2021 Environmental Business Council of New England, Inc. (EBC) Ascending Leader Award

Recognized as a New Leader in the Law by the Connecticut Law Tribune, 2020

Selected as a Rising Star to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list from 2013 to 2025

Selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in the areas of Energy Law and Environmental Law from 2021 to 2025

Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, "First 100," 2013

Environmental Business Council of New England
Chair, Connecticut Chapter (2025 - present)
Working Group Leadership Team (2022 - present)
Member, Offshore Wind Working Group (2021 - present)
Site Remediation and Redevelopment Committee (2019 - present)

American Bar Association
Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (2012 - present)
Vice-Chair of Waste and Resource Recovery Committee, Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (2015 - 2019)

Connecticut Bar Association
Member, Environmental Law Section (2012 - present)
Treasurer, Environmental Law Section (2021 - present)
Member, Energy, Public Utility, and Communications Law Section (2012 - present)
Young Lawyers Section

Federal Bar Council (2015 - 2019)

Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (2012 - present)

Oliver Ellsworth American Inn of Court
Pupil (2012 - 2013)

Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut, Inc.
Member, Board of Directors (2020 - present)

Bushnell Park Foundation
Board of Directors (2013 - 2020)
Chair of Governance Committee (2015 - 2019)

Foodshare
Former Walk Against Hunger Team Member

Junior Achievement
Former Volunteer 

The United Way
Former Volunteer Reader 

Experience


Successful Defense Against OSHA Citations for Specialty Manufacturer

Successfully represented a manufacturer of specialty springs and wires in connection with nearly two dozen OSHA citations, including more than a dozen Serious and a half-dozen Other-than-Serious citations, a substantial penalty, and significant and expensive injunctive relief. Secured a favorable settlement agreement for the client that did not admit liability, vacated 4 citations, reduced 6 Serious citations to Other-than-Serious, and reduced the penalty by more than 60%.

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Financial Assurance Obligations for Hazardous Waste

Counsel large multinational manufacturing company with regard to financial assurance obligations for hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, underground storage tanks, remediation requirements under Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Comprehensive Environmental Recovery and Liability Act orders and permits, and similar state programs.

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Plastics Manufacturer Counsel in Multi-Facility Self-Audit

Counseled plastics manufacturer in connection with multi-facility multi-state self-audit and voluntary disclosures concerning the Clean Air Act and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act  to the EPA and state agency, which included negotiations with Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection regarding applicability of CAA permitting.

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Publications


Vol. 10.1

New UST Requirements (and Potential "Buried Hazards") in Connecticut Revised Underground Storage Tank Regulations

CEMA Aegis
August 31, 2023

As the Temperature Rises, Employer Obligations Rise Too

EHS Today

The article examines OSHA’s new focus on the enforcement of heat-safety violations occurring in indoor work environments, such as manufacturing and warehouse facilities. While OSHA has yet to issue a national standard for workplace heat-safety rules, just yesterday on August 30, they released a “Regulatory Framework” meant to outline potential options for the elements of a future OSHA standard. The authors suggest that after a thorough review of OSHA’s Regulatory Framework, employers could draft and implement a written heat stress prevention program or heat illness prevention plan for their worksite or facility. In addition to OSHA guidelines and standards, employers should also be aware of their obligations to address safety concerns under other existing legislation including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the National Labor Relations Act. Read the article.

April 12, 2023

Change Coming? OSHA Inspections at Non-Union Facilities

Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA)

The article focuses on OSHA’s likely revival of a policy that would require employers to permit union officials to take part in agency inspections even if the union does not represent employees at the facility being inspected. OSHA had previously maintained such a policy between 2013 and 2017 before the interpretation underpinning it faced legal challenges. Employees may now designate a non-employee with proper credentials as eligible to be present. “As we await OSHA’s next move and a possible new rule on this topic,” Natale and Jon note, “it remains important to be prepared to handle and OSHA inspection, regardless of the other parties involved.” Read the article.

Vol. 10.1

New UST Requirements (and Potential "Buried Hazards") in Connecticut Revised Underground Storage Tank Regulations

CEMA Aegis
August 31, 2023

As the Temperature Rises, Employer Obligations Rise Too

EHS Today

The article examines OSHA’s new focus on the enforcement of heat-safety violations occurring in indoor work environments, such as manufacturing and warehouse facilities. While OSHA has yet to issue a national standard for workplace heat-safety rules, just yesterday on August 30, they released a “Regulatory Framework” meant to outline potential options for the elements of a future OSHA standard. The authors suggest that after a thorough review of OSHA’s Regulatory Framework, employers could draft and implement a written heat stress prevention program or heat illness prevention plan for their worksite or facility. In addition to OSHA guidelines and standards, employers should also be aware of their obligations to address safety concerns under other existing legislation including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the National Labor Relations Act. Read the article.

April 12, 2023

Change Coming? OSHA Inspections at Non-Union Facilities

Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA)

The article focuses on OSHA’s likely revival of a policy that would require employers to permit union officials to take part in agency inspections even if the union does not represent employees at the facility being inspected. OSHA had previously maintained such a policy between 2013 and 2017 before the interpretation underpinning it faced legal challenges. Employees may now designate a non-employee with proper credentials as eligible to be present. “As we await OSHA’s next move and a possible new rule on this topic,” Natale and Jon note, “it remains important to be prepared to handle and OSHA inspection, regardless of the other parties involved.” Read the article.

July 8, 2022

EPA Power Plant Ruling Could Have Broader Effects for Industry

IndustryWeek

The article focuses on the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency, where the Supreme Court held that the EPA exceeded its authority under the Clean Air Act in its attempt to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. While the immediate impact of the decision is fairly limited, the Supreme Court’s rationale has the potential to impact federal agency authority across a broad range of sectors. The larger outcome of West Virginia v. EPA could be an expansion of cases that seek to invalidate agency actions based on the major questions doctrine. Read the article.

June 28, 2022

OSHA’s Multi-Employer Policy Continues to Ensnare the Construction Industry

Construction Executive’s “CE This Week” newsletter

The article focuses on OSHA’s approach to jobsites where more than one employer could be cited for the same hazardous condition that violates an OSHA standard. Read the article.

February 16, 2022

Who’s calling the shots? A look at the current status of COVID-19 vaccine mandates

ISHN (Industrial Safety & Hygiene News)

The article points out that since the COVID-19 vaccination was made available to the public in late 2020, the topic of vaccination has been widely discussed across the country, in daily news media, by governments and agencies, in the courts, in communities, and in the workplace. This led to various legal challenges, court decisions and rulings, opposition, publicity, and the implementation of various state laws prohibiting or restricting businesses’ and employers’ ability to mandate vaccination. Heading into 2022, companies have been left to face the challenge of implementing policies that are legally-compliant under the patchwork of laws, guidance and rules regarding vaccination and also practical. The authors remind employers “to ensure that they are up-to-date at the local, state, and federal level; understand changes that may be on the horizon with regard to applicable laws in their industry; and remain flexible in terms of their policies and procedures.” Read the full article here.

January 6, 2022

A look at OSHA enforcement in 2021 under the Biden administration

ISHN (Industrial Safety & Hygiene News)

The article points out the criticism aimed at the Trump administration for what many considered a too-lax approach to OSHA enforcement actions, stating that the “number of inspections and citations between 2016 and 2019 were lower than previous years, and OSHA was not always as vocal about its enforcement efforts.” By contrast, the article notes that the Biden administration has fulfilled campaign promises to focus greater attention on, and support for, OSHA efforts, particularly with regard to COVID-19, but in other areas as well, including “increasing the number of OSHA investigators, possibly by as much as 100%.” Based on the administration’s directives and efforts in 2021, the article predicts an increase in enforcement actions over the next three years and encourages employers to “review your workplace’s compliance with applicable OSHA regulations, including anti-retaliation policies as well as preparing the workplace and your employees for an OSHA inspection.” Read the full article here.

Manufacturing Industry Team Out + About teaser
January 4, 2022

Manufacturing Industry Team Out + About

Manufacturing Industry Team Out + About teaser
January 4, 2022

Manufacturing Industry Team Out + About



July 8, 2022

EPA Power Plant Ruling Could Have Broader Effects for Industry

IndustryWeek

The article focuses on the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency, where the Supreme Court held that the EPA exceeded its authority under the Clean Air Act in its attempt to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. While the immediate impact of the decision is fairly limited, the Supreme Court’s rationale has the potential to impact federal agency authority across a broad range of sectors. The larger outcome of West Virginia v. EPA could be an expansion of cases that seek to invalidate agency actions based on the major questions doctrine. Read the article.

June 28, 2022

OSHA’s Multi-Employer Policy Continues to Ensnare the Construction Industry

Construction Executive’s “CE This Week” newsletter

The article focuses on OSHA’s approach to jobsites where more than one employer could be cited for the same hazardous condition that violates an OSHA standard. Read the article.

February 16, 2022

Who’s calling the shots? A look at the current status of COVID-19 vaccine mandates

ISHN (Industrial Safety & Hygiene News)

The article points out that since the COVID-19 vaccination was made available to the public in late 2020, the topic of vaccination has been widely discussed across the country, in daily news media, by governments and agencies, in the courts, in communities, and in the workplace. This led to various legal challenges, court decisions and rulings, opposition, publicity, and the implementation of various state laws prohibiting or restricting businesses’ and employers’ ability to mandate vaccination. Heading into 2022, companies have been left to face the challenge of implementing policies that are legally-compliant under the patchwork of laws, guidance and rules regarding vaccination and also practical. The authors remind employers “to ensure that they are up-to-date at the local, state, and federal level; understand changes that may be on the horizon with regard to applicable laws in their industry; and remain flexible in terms of their policies and procedures.” Read the full article here.

January 6, 2022

A look at OSHA enforcement in 2021 under the Biden administration

ISHN (Industrial Safety & Hygiene News)

The article points out the criticism aimed at the Trump administration for what many considered a too-lax approach to OSHA enforcement actions, stating that the “number of inspections and citations between 2016 and 2019 were lower than previous years, and OSHA was not always as vocal about its enforcement efforts.” By contrast, the article notes that the Biden administration has fulfilled campaign promises to focus greater attention on, and support for, OSHA efforts, particularly with regard to COVID-19, but in other areas as well, including “increasing the number of OSHA investigators, possibly by as much as 100%.” Based on the administration’s directives and efforts in 2021, the article predicts an increase in enforcement actions over the next three years and encourages employers to “review your workplace’s compliance with applicable OSHA regulations, including anti-retaliation policies as well as preparing the workplace and your employees for an OSHA inspection.” Read the full article here.

Manufacturing Industry Team Out + About teaser
January 4, 2022

Manufacturing Industry Team Out + About

Manufacturing Industry Team Out + About teaser
January 4, 2022

Manufacturing Industry Team Out + About


News


November 6, 2025

Robinson+Cole Commends 62 Attorneys Recognized in 2025 Super Lawyers®

Robinson+Cole announced a total of 35 attorneys were named to Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers® lists and 27 lawyers were recognized on its “Rising Stars” lists in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2025. In addition, Robinson+Cole Labor, Employment, Benefits, Immigration + Tax group chair Rachel V. Kushel, Appellate group chair Linda L. Morkan, and Manufacturing Law Industry team chair Jeffrey J. White were named to the Top 50: 2025 Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Rachel and Linda also appear on the Top 25: 2025 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list. In addition, Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group co-chair, Natalie D. Ramsey was named to the Top 50: 2005 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. Recognized attorneys and their areas of practice include the following: Hartford, CT - Super Lawyers® Wystan M. Ackerman – Class Action Stephen W. Aronson – Employment Lit: Defense Bradford S. Babbitt – Business Litigation Bruce B. Barth – Employee Benefits Garry C. Berman – Real Estate Patrick M. Birney – Bankruptcy: Business Dennis C. Cavanaugh – Construction Litigation Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson – Employment & Labor Kathleen Dion – Schools & Education Michael R. Enright – Bankruptcy: Business Gregory R. Faulkner – Construction Litigation Edward J. Heath – Business Litigation Frederick E. Hedberg – Construction Litigation Rachel V. Kushel – Employment & Labor Michael F. Maglio – Banking Virginia E. McGarrity – Employee Benefits Joey Lee Miranda – Energy & Resources Linda L. Morkan – Appellate Martin A. Onorato – Construction Litigation James P. Ray – Environmental Litigation Emilee Mooney Scott – Environmental Rhonda J. Tobin – Insurance Coverage Theodore J. Tucci – Health Care Abby M. Warren – Employment & Labor Jeffrey J. White – Aviation and Aerospace Hartford, CT - Rising Stars Dan A. Brody – Criminal Defense: White Collar Kayla D. O’Leary Daly – Intellectual Property Jason H. DePatie – Insurance Coverage Scott T. Garosshen – Appellate Larry E. Grijalva – Construction Litigation Ryan Hoyler – Land Use/Zoning Kathryn N. Mullin – Real Estate Abigail L. Preissler – Securities & Corp Fin Jonathan H. Schaefer – Environmental Jennifer L. Shanley – Immigration: Business Taylor A. Shea – Business/Corp. Mallori D. Thompson – Business Litigation Taylor A. Vann – Civil Litigation: Defense Stamford, CT – Super Lawyers®  Steven L. Elbaum – Real Estate Brian J. Wheelin – Business Litigation Stamford, CT - Rising Stars Raymond J. Carta – Civil Litigation: Defense Emily C. Deans – Environmental Diana E. Neeves – Environmental Austin G. Provost – Real Estate Massachusetts - Super Lawyers® Kendra L. Berardi – Civil Litigation: Defense Danielle Andrews Long – Civil Litigation: Defense Seth B. Orkand – Criminal Defense: White Collar         Massachusetts - Rising Stars Jessica D. Bardi – Land Use/Zoning Jeffrey R. Gribouski – General Litigation Taz Islam – Business Litigation Rita E. Nerney – Employee Benefits New York Metro - Super Lawyers® John F. McCarrick – Insurance Coverage David D. Rodrigues – Intellectual Property Anna Jinhua Wang – Securities & Corporate Finance Evans E. Wohlforth Jr. – Health Care New York Metro - Rising Stars Joshua A. Dachs – Civil Litigation Sabrina M. Galli – Business Litigation New York Upstate - Rising Stars Danielle H. Tangorre – Health Care Wilmington, DE - Super Lawyers® and Pennsylvania - Super Lawyers® Natalie D. Ramsey – Bankruptcy: Business Pennsylvania - Rising Stars Katherine M. Fix – Bankruptcy: Business Rhode Island - Rising Stars William M. Daley – Business Litigation Kathryn M. Rattigan – Business Litigation

Recognition spans key regions and highlights the firm’s seasoned practitioners and emerging leaders in many business transactions and litigation practices
Robinson+Cole Commends 62 Attorneys Recognized in 2025 <i>Super Lawyers</i>® teaser
June 27, 2025

Jon Schaefer Appointed Chair of Environment Business Council of New England’s Connecticut Chapter

Environmental Business Council of New England Connecticut Chapter
October 31, 2024

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2024 Super Lawyers®

Thomson Reuters
Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2024 <i>Super Lawyers</i>® teaser
November 6, 2025

Robinson+Cole Commends 62 Attorneys Recognized in 2025 Super Lawyers®

Robinson+Cole announced a total of 35 attorneys were named to Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers® lists and 27 lawyers were recognized on its “Rising Stars” lists in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2025. In addition, Robinson+Cole Labor, Employment, Benefits, Immigration + Tax group chair Rachel V. Kushel, Appellate group chair Linda L. Morkan, and Manufacturing Law Industry team chair Jeffrey J. White were named to the Top 50: 2025 Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Rachel and Linda also appear on the Top 25: 2025 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list. In addition, Bankruptcy + Reorganizations group co-chair, Natalie D. Ramsey was named to the Top 50: 2005 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. Recognized attorneys and their areas of practice include the following: Hartford, CT - Super Lawyers® Wystan M. Ackerman – Class Action Stephen W. Aronson – Employment Lit: Defense Bradford S. Babbitt – Business Litigation Bruce B. Barth – Employee Benefits Garry C. Berman – Real Estate Patrick M. Birney – Bankruptcy: Business Dennis C. Cavanaugh – Construction Litigation Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson – Employment & Labor Kathleen Dion – Schools & Education Michael R. Enright – Bankruptcy: Business Gregory R. Faulkner – Construction Litigation Edward J. Heath – Business Litigation Frederick E. Hedberg – Construction Litigation Rachel V. Kushel – Employment & Labor Michael F. Maglio – Banking Virginia E. McGarrity – Employee Benefits Joey Lee Miranda – Energy & Resources Linda L. Morkan – Appellate Martin A. Onorato – Construction Litigation James P. Ray – Environmental Litigation Emilee Mooney Scott – Environmental Rhonda J. Tobin – Insurance Coverage Theodore J. Tucci – Health Care Abby M. Warren – Employment & Labor Jeffrey J. White – Aviation and Aerospace Hartford, CT - Rising Stars Dan A. Brody – Criminal Defense: White Collar Kayla D. O’Leary Daly – Intellectual Property Jason H. DePatie – Insurance Coverage Scott T. Garosshen – Appellate Larry E. Grijalva – Construction Litigation Ryan Hoyler – Land Use/Zoning Kathryn N. Mullin – Real Estate Abigail L. Preissler – Securities & Corp Fin Jonathan H. Schaefer – Environmental Jennifer L. Shanley – Immigration: Business Taylor A. Shea – Business/Corp. Mallori D. Thompson – Business Litigation Taylor A. Vann – Civil Litigation: Defense Stamford, CT – Super Lawyers®  Steven L. Elbaum – Real Estate Brian J. Wheelin – Business Litigation Stamford, CT - Rising Stars Raymond J. Carta – Civil Litigation: Defense Emily C. Deans – Environmental Diana E. Neeves – Environmental Austin G. Provost – Real Estate Massachusetts - Super Lawyers® Kendra L. Berardi – Civil Litigation: Defense Danielle Andrews Long – Civil Litigation: Defense Seth B. Orkand – Criminal Defense: White Collar         Massachusetts - Rising Stars Jessica D. Bardi – Land Use/Zoning Jeffrey R. Gribouski – General Litigation Taz Islam – Business Litigation Rita E. Nerney – Employee Benefits New York Metro - Super Lawyers® John F. McCarrick – Insurance Coverage David D. Rodrigues – Intellectual Property Anna Jinhua Wang – Securities & Corporate Finance Evans E. Wohlforth Jr. – Health Care New York Metro - Rising Stars Joshua A. Dachs – Civil Litigation Sabrina M. Galli – Business Litigation New York Upstate - Rising Stars Danielle H. Tangorre – Health Care Wilmington, DE - Super Lawyers® and Pennsylvania - Super Lawyers® Natalie D. Ramsey – Bankruptcy: Business Pennsylvania - Rising Stars Katherine M. Fix – Bankruptcy: Business Rhode Island - Rising Stars William M. Daley – Business Litigation Kathryn M. Rattigan – Business Litigation

Recognition spans key regions and highlights the firm’s seasoned practitioners and emerging leaders in many business transactions and litigation practices
Robinson+Cole Commends 62 Attorneys Recognized in 2025 <i>Super Lawyers</i>® teaser
June 27, 2025

Jon Schaefer Appointed Chair of Environment Business Council of New England’s Connecticut Chapter

Environmental Business Council of New England Connecticut Chapter
October 31, 2024

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2024 Super Lawyers®

Thomson Reuters
Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2024 <i>Super Lawyers</i>® teaser
August 15, 2024

78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2025

78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in <i>The Best Lawyers in America</i>© 2025 teaser
February 9, 2024

Jon Schaefer Appointed to Serve as Secretary of Statewide Legal Services Board of Directors

Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut
October 26, 2023

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2023 Super Lawyers®

Super Lawyers
September 1, 2023

Jon Schaefer and Abby Warren Examine OSHA Focus on Enforcement of Heat-Safety Violations in EHS Today

EHS Today
August 17, 2023

78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024

Best Lawyers in America
78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024 teaser
June 29, 2023

Jon Schaefer Comments on OSHA Medical Mismanagement Claims for SHRM

Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)

August 15, 2024

78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2025

78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in <i>The Best Lawyers in America</i>© 2025 teaser
February 9, 2024

Jon Schaefer Appointed to Serve as Secretary of Statewide Legal Services Board of Directors

Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut
October 26, 2023

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2023 Super Lawyers®

Super Lawyers
September 1, 2023

Jon Schaefer and Abby Warren Examine OSHA Focus on Enforcement of Heat-Safety Violations in EHS Today

EHS Today
August 17, 2023

78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024

Best Lawyers in America
78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024 teaser
June 29, 2023

Jon Schaefer Comments on OSHA Medical Mismanagement Claims for SHRM

Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Events


Past

Underground Storage Tanks: Buried Hazards in Connecticut’s Revised UST Regulations

Feb 18 2026
Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) Webinar
Past

Connecticut Released-Based Cleanup Regulations: Beginning to Consider the Possibilities

Nov 6 2025
An EBC Connecticut Webinar
Past

Underground Storage Tanks: Buried Hazards in Connecticut’s Revised UST Regulations

Feb 18 2026
Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) Webinar
Past

Connecticut Released-Based Cleanup Regulations: Beginning to Consider the Possibilities

Nov 6 2025
An EBC Connecticut Webinar
Past

Release-Based Clean-Up Regulations: Implementations & Compliance

Jun 11 2025
Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) 2025 Energy & Environment Conference
Past

Sunsetting the Transfer Act: When, What, Where, and How

May 13 2025
An EBC Connecticut Webinar
Past

“Hot Topics” with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) – An EBC Leadership Program

Apr 11 2025
Fuss & O’Neill, Inc.
Past

OSHA vs. Insurance: Who’s the Biggest Threat to Your Bottom Line?

Oct 30 2024
USI Insurance Services Panel Discussion
Past

Release-Based Clean-Up Regulations: Implementations & Compliance

Jun 11 2025
Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) 2025 Energy & Environment Conference
Past

Sunsetting the Transfer Act: When, What, Where, and How

May 13 2025
An EBC Connecticut Webinar
Past

“Hot Topics” with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) – An EBC Leadership Program

Apr 11 2025
Fuss & O’Neill, Inc.
Past

OSHA vs. Insurance: Who’s the Biggest Threat to Your Bottom Line?

Oct 30 2024
USI Insurance Services Panel Discussion

Environmental Law +


Below is an excerpt of Environmental Law + blog posts authored by Jon. 

EPA Issues “Compliance First” Memo: Key Takeaways for Regulated Entities

On December 5, 2025, Craig J. Pritzlaff, Acting Assistant Administrator of the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA), issued an internal memorandum instituting a “Compliance First” approach, immediately effective for all civil enforcement and compliance activities. This memo claims to introduce a policy shift: prioritizing timely and effective compliance over punitive enforcement and... Continue Reading

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Navigating OSHA’s Updated Inspection Strategy

In May 2025, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) released an updated Site-Specific Targeting (SST) Inspection Program directive. The SST Inspection Program is OSHA’s main site-specific programmed inspection initiative for non-construction workplaces that have 20 or more employees. The SST Inspection Program uses employer-submitted injury and illness information (i.e., Form 300A data) to determine... Continue Reading

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EPA Delays PFAS Reporting Deadlines, Again: Implications for Manufacturers and Importers

On May 12, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an amendment delaying the data submission period for the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) PFAS reporting rule, which will now begin on April 13, 2026, and end on October 13, 2026. Small manufacturers who report solely as article importers will have until April 13,... Continue Reading

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Administrators May Change, But PFAS Is Forever: EPA Announces PFAS Plan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under Administrator Lee Zeldin, has unveiled its anticipated strategy for addressing the pervasive issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.” While the announcement provides a broad framework, specific details (particularly regarding potential changes to previous rulemakings under CERCLA and the Safe Drinking Water... Continue Reading

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Cuts, Closures, and Confusion: A Quick Update on U.S. EPA

It has been 50 days since the Trump administration took office, and there remains a tsunami of activity surrounding executive actions and announcements across the federal government. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not been spared from deep cuts, office and grant program closures, and a fair amount of confusion. On March 11, 2025, EPA... Continue Reading

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New EPA Administrator, Same Freeze on EPA Activity

On January 29, 2025, Lee Zeldin was confirmed as the 17th Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. After a week on the job, Zeldin continued to maintain several policies that had been put in place immediately after the Trump administration took office. Some of these policies are summarized below. While these actions are generally expected when... Continue Reading

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New Wave of Executive Orders Seek to Redirect EPA’s Focus

Within hours of taking office, President Trump issued a flurry of Executive Orders (EO), including several that will undoubtedly affect a wide range of environmental policies nationwide. While the full implications of these EOs, as well as potential additional actions, are far from clear at this early stage, there are several takeaways for those who... Continue Reading

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OSHA Finalizes PPE Fitting Requirement for Construction Workers

On December 11, 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it finalized a revision to the personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for the construction industry. The final rule adds specific language to the existing standard requiring employers to provide properly fitting PPE for construction industry workers. This change aligns the construction industry with... Continue Reading

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EPA Notice of Violation Letters Phishing Scam

On July 30, 2024, the U.S. EPA Office of Inspector General issued a fraud alert to bring attention to an increasing number of companies reporting that they have received fraudulent EPA Notice of Violation letters demanding payment. Businesses have received these fraudulent letters through email and U.S. Postal Service mail. The letters allege that the... Continue Reading

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OSHA Releases Proposed Extreme Heat Rule

On July 2, 2024, OSHA released the long-awaited Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings proposed rule. If finalized, the rule would require millions of employers to take steps to protect their workers from extreme heat. However, the proposed rule would not apply to “sedentary” or remote workers, emergency-response workers, or... Continue Reading

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