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FETTI 2025: Tackling Tomorrow’s Environmental Challenges Today

Group of team photos from environmental conference

This year’s National Forum for Environmental and Toxic Tort Issues (FETTI) Conference once again delivered a world-class experience for professionals navigating the evolving landscape of environmental and toxic tort risks. Held annually, FETTI brings together legal, insurance, and environmental experts to share the latest strategies, case studies, and regulatory updates shaping the industry. 

We're proud to highlight the contributions of two members from our division, Trish Shippee and Dan Downing, who presented on timely and complex topics at the conference.

The Presentations

Trish Shippee, along with Erin Poppler, John Davies, Thomas McHugh, and Ilya Kosten, presented on how mass litigation continues to challenge insurers and environmental professionals alike. They all contributed to a dynamic session that explored:

  • The growing use of mass action tactics by plaintiffs’ counsel.
  • Defense strategies tailored to environmental exposure cases, including coordinated legal approaches and expert involvement.
  • The role of coverage analysis, consultants, and technology in managing complex litigation.
  • Proactive tips to help minimize future exposure and litigation risk.

This presentation emphasized the importance of strategic planning, collaboration, and innovation in navigating mass action cases effectively. 

Dan Downing, joined by Scott Recker and Jens Conzen gave a presentation on the environmental risks with new technologies, specifically those posed by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), including:

  • Environmental risk factors such as fire hazards, chemical leaks, and site contamination.
  • Underwriting complexities, especially with limited historical data and rapidly evolving systems.
  • Risk mitigation techniques to help manage exposures effectively.
  • Regulatory requirements that govern the safe deployment and operation of BESS infrastructure.

 

Want to learn more about BESS?

Check out our latest article on lithium-ion batteries and BESS written by experts at Great American Environmental.

Read here!

Looking Ahead

FETTI remains a premier platform for advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration across the environmental and insurance sectors. We're proud of Dan and Trish for representing our division and contributing to the dialogue on these critical issues.

To learn more about the conference or access related resources, visit FETTI.org or feel free to contact our team!