POLLUTION REPORTING FACES TEST IN SARBANES-OXLEY WHISTLEBLOWER SUITS

Federal courts and administrative review bodies are beginning to consider the scope of protections afforded environmental and other whistleblowers under landmark provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley law, which tightened corporate disclosure requirements after the Enron and WorldCom accounting scandals. Attorneys following the issue say that while the law's protections against retaliation -- which are stronger than those contained in environmental laws -- could pressure companies to be more forthcoming with shareholders about environmental risks and liabilities that affect their bottom line,...