Unique deal struck to find water polluter(s): two oil giants dodge litigation under city pact that may become model

Article Abstract:

The city of Santa Monica, CA negotiated an agreement with Chevron Products Co and Shell Oil Products Co to investigate and prevent pollution of the city's drinking water wells by methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), a common auto emissions inhibitor added to gasoline. The two companies, without assuming blame for the pollution, agreed to pay at least $5 million to help identify the polluter, clean up the wells and import drinking water to the city. Santa Monica city attorneys, who are negotiating with 24 other oil firms, say this sort of deal will become standard as MTBE pollution increases.

PETROLEUM AND COAL PRODUCTS, Petroleum, Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing, Investigations, Negotiation, mediation and arbitration, Petroleum industry, Environmental aspects, California, Water pollution, MTBE, Methyl tertiary butyl ether, Santa Monica, California, Shell Oil Products Co., Chevron Products Co.

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Use of legal service plans is exploding, study shows; individual enrollment plans were the fastest growing type during the last year

Article Abstract:

The growth curve enjoyed by US legal services plans spiked in 1997, and as of 1998 some 105 mil people, including family members, subscribe to at least one plan. The plans, the legal equivalent of managed health care, also attract more lawyers, who see in them a means of ensuring a steady stream of clients. Types of plans include those sponsored by unions, associations and individual employers as well as individual enrollment plans.

Statistics, Prepaid legal services

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Media mergers spark conflict-of-interest lawsuits; creaters of hit TV shows complain they'vwe become victims of sweetheart deals

Article Abstract:

Creators of hit television programs have filed suits charging parent companies have sold series short in the recent flood of media mergers and have minimized payments to the shows' creators due to their broadcasting outlet ownership. Two such suits by the creators of 'Evening Shade' and 'Home Improvement' charge the negotiation of sweetheart deals for the television programs' renewal and syndication rights.

Television Broadcasting, Television broadcasting stations, TV Networks, Cases, Television programs, Television networks, Conflict of interests (Agency), Conflicts of interest

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