Michael T. Novak

Michael (Mike) Novak practices environmental and business law for chemical manufacturers and other clients, including agricultural, antimicrobial, and biochemical pesticide producers. His practice focuses on the regulation of pesticides and other chemicals under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA); the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA); and other federal and state regulatory programs.

Mike has extensive knowledge and experience in issues associated with product registration, including the registration of biochemicals and unique technologies; petitions to cancel or deny registration; data compensation matters; adverse effects reporting; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement; import and export requirements; tolerance petitions, including the approval of inert ingredients; and the treated-article exemption. He drafts and negotiates business contracts for clients, including distributorship, supply, sub-registration (licensing), and registration/data transfer agreements. Further, Mike has experience advising clients on advertising claims and strategies compliant with FIFRA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act.

As lead counsel, Mike has successfully obtained settlement of enforcement actions brought by the EPA Headquarters (Washington, DC) and many of the EPA regional offices, as well as the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. He has also obtained resolution of numerous Stop Sale Use and Removal Orders issued by EPA against clients alleging the unlawful sale of a pesticide under FIFRA.

Before entering private practice, Mike served as General Counsel for Riverdale Chemical Company and as Director of Regulatory Affairs for the Chemical Producers and Distributors Association (CPDA).

Insights & In the News

Antifouling Coatings in Murky Waters: How EPA’s VIDA Regulations Leave Industry Uncertain

03.03.2026
Publication

COMMENTARY: California OEHHA and EPA's Prop. 65/FIFRA Skirmish-The Latest in a 30 Year Di...

08.23.2019
Publication

California DPR to Develop Comprehensive Reports to Justify Pesticide Product Registration...

03.07.2019

Best Law Firms Features Keller and Heckman in 2026 Edition

Press Release
11.06.2025