The buffalo biodiesel lawsuit is moving forward in 2026, and residents across Western New York want answers. This case involves allegations that Buffalo Biodiesel Inc. illegally dumped waste grease and cooking oil byproducts into communities, causing environmental contamination and health risks.
If you live near one of the affected sites, you could be eligible for compensation. Thousands of people may qualify based on proximity, property damage, and health complaints tied to the company’s operations.
This article breaks down every detail you need. You will learn about the latest case updates, who qualifies, estimated payouts, filing deadlines, and the step-by-step process to submit a claim. Some estimates suggest individual payouts could range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the type and severity of harm.
The case has drawn attention from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and other regulatory bodies. That level of scrutiny tells you something about how serious these allegations are.
Buffalo Biodiesel Lawsuit 2026
The buffalo biodiesel lawsuit in 2026 centers on claims that the company violated environmental laws through improper waste disposal across Western New York. The case has gained momentum as regulatory findings and community complaints pile up.
Buffalo Biodiesel Inc. operated as a used cooking oil collector and biodiesel producer. The company allegedly cut corners on waste handling, dumping grease and oil byproducts in unauthorized locations rather than disposing of them properly. Residents near these dump sites reported foul odors, soil contamination, and concerns about their drinking water.
By early 2026, the legal proceedings have expanded beyond initial regulatory enforcement into civil claims. Affected residents and property owners are now pursuing compensation through both individual and group legal actions.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Case Status in 2026 | Active, with civil claims advancing |
| Primary Defendant | Buffalo Biodiesel Inc. |
| Key Allegations | Illegal waste dumping, environmental contamination |
| Regulatory Bodies Involved | New York DEC, potentially EPA |
| Affected Area | Western New York, primarily Erie County |
The significance of this case goes beyond one company. It sets a precedent for how waste recycling businesses are held accountable when they skip proper disposal protocols. Think of it like a restaurant that recycles on paper but throws everything in the dumpster out back. Except here, the “dumpster” was other people’s neighborhoods.
Courts are expected to hear arguments on liability and damages throughout 2026. New filings could emerge as more affected residents come forward.
Buffalo Biodiesel Lawsuit Update
As of 2026, the Buffalo Biodiesel lawsuit has progressed from regulatory enforcement actions into active civil litigation. Multiple legal tracks are now running at the same time.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation previously issued violations and consent orders against Buffalo Biodiesel. Those findings strengthened the foundation for private lawsuits. Attorneys representing affected communities have used DEC documentation as evidence in their filings.
Recent court activity includes motions related to the scope of the class, the geographic boundaries of affected areas, and the types of damages that can be claimed. Discovery is ongoing, meaning both sides are exchanging documents and evidence.
Key updates for 2026 include:
- New plaintiffs joining the case from additional neighborhoods
- Expert environmental reports submitted to the court detailing contamination levels
- Depositions of former Buffalo Biodiesel employees and management
- Potential mediation sessions ordered by the court to explore settlement
The pace of litigation suggests that a resolution, whether through settlement or trial, could take shape by late 2026 or early 2027. Courts in New York tend to push environmental cases toward settlement once discovery wraps up, so keep an eye on developments this year.
Buffalo Biodiesel Class Action
The Buffalo Biodiesel class action is a legal effort that groups affected residents together into one case against the company. This structure allows people with similar claims to pursue justice collectively rather than filing thousands of individual lawsuits.
Class actions work well in environmental contamination cases. When a company’s actions harm an entire community, it makes sense to consolidate those claims. One group of attorneys handles the case on behalf of everyone, which keeps legal costs down for individual members.
For this case, the proposed class includes residents and property owners within a defined radius of Buffalo Biodiesel’s dumping locations. The exact boundaries are still being finalized through court proceedings.
Here is how a class action typically works in a case like this:
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Investigation | Attorneys gather evidence and identify affected parties |
| Filing | A complaint is filed on behalf of the proposed class |
| Certification | The court decides whether the case qualifies as a class action |
| Discovery | Both sides exchange evidence and take depositions |
| Settlement or Trial | The case resolves through negotiation or a court verdict |
| Distribution | Approved class members receive their payouts |
Not every environmental lawsuit gets certified as a class action. The court needs to confirm that the claims share common questions of law and fact. In this case, the common thread is Buffalo Biodiesel’s alleged dumping and the harm it caused to nearby residents.
If the class gets certified, you would not need your own lawyer. You would automatically be included if you meet the criteria, unless you choose to opt out.
Key Takeaway: The Buffalo Biodiesel case is advancing through multiple legal channels in 2026, including a proposed class action that could cover thousands of Western New York residents.
Buffalo Biodiesel Settlement
No final Buffalo Biodiesel settlement has been announced as of early 2026, but the case is trending in that direction. Settlement talks typically begin once discovery produces enough evidence for both sides to realistically assess damages.
Environmental contamination lawsuits in New York often settle before trial. Companies prefer settlements because trials are unpredictable and expensive. Plaintiffs prefer them because they get compensation faster. A court-ordered mediation, which has been discussed in this case, would be the formal trigger for serious negotiations.
If a settlement is reached, it would likely create a fund. Affected residents would file claims against that fund. The amount each person receives would depend on factors like how close they lived to a dump site, whether their property was directly contaminated, and whether they experienced health problems.
Based on similar environmental contamination settlements in New York, here is a rough framework of what a settlement structure might look like:
| Claim Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Property within 0.5 miles of dump site | $1,000 to $5,000+ |
| Documented property damage (soil, water) | $3,000 to $15,000+ |
| Health-related claims with medical records | $5,000 to $25,000+ |
| General nuisance (odor, quality of life) | $200 to $1,500 |
These numbers are estimates based on comparable cases, not confirmed figures for this lawsuit. The actual settlement, if one happens, could be higher or lower depending on the total fund size and the number of claimants.
Settlement approval requires court sign-off. A judge reviews the terms to make sure they are fair to all class members. That process can add several months to the timeline.
Buffalo Biodiesel Lawsuit Eligibility
Eligibility for the Buffalo Biodiesel lawsuit depends on your connection to the company’s waste disposal activities and the harm you experienced. You generally need to show that you were affected by the alleged contamination.
The primary eligibility factors break down into three categories: location, timing, and harm. You need to meet at least one of these criteria, though meeting multiple factors strengthens your position.
Location-based eligibility:
- You lived or owned property near a confirmed or alleged dump site
- Your property is within the geographic boundaries set by the court
- You used water sources potentially affected by contamination
Timing-based eligibility:
- You were a resident during the period when dumping allegedly occurred
- Your exposure happened within the time frame specified in the complaint
Harm-based eligibility:
- You experienced property damage such as soil or water contamination
- You suffered health problems potentially linked to exposure
- You endured persistent odor or quality-of-life disruption
If you moved away from the area before filing, you may still qualify. What matters is whether you were present during the contamination period. Think of it like a car accident. You don’t stop having injuries just because you left the intersection.
The court will ultimately define exact eligibility criteria if the class action is certified. Until then, anyone who believes they were affected should document their situation.
Who Qualifies for the Buffalo Biodiesel Lawsuit
You qualify for the Buffalo Biodiesel lawsuit if you lived near, worked near, or owned property near any location where Buffalo Biodiesel allegedly dumped waste materials. The qualifying group is broad, but specific documentation helps.
Here is a quick checklist to determine your qualification status:
- Did you live within the affected area in Erie County or surrounding Western New York communities?
- Did you notice unusual odors, greasy residue, or contamination on your property?
- Did you experience unexplained health issues during or after the contamination period?
- Did your property value decrease due to nearby contamination or environmental concerns?
- Did you rely on well water or local water sources in an affected zone?
If you answered yes to any of these, you likely qualify. The strongest claims come from people who can document their experience. Medical records, property assessments, water test results, photographs, and even personal journals noting odor incidents all serve as useful evidence.
Businesses are not excluded either. Commercial property owners and business operators who suffered losses due to contamination or its stigma may also have valid claims.
Key Takeaway: You qualify for this lawsuit if you were affected by Buffalo Biodiesel’s waste disposal, whether through property damage, health issues, or quality-of-life disruption near dump sites.
Buffalo Biodiesel Compensation
Compensation in the Buffalo Biodiesel case will be determined by the type and severity of harm each claimant experienced. Not everyone will receive the same amount.
Environmental contamination cases typically use a tiered compensation model. People with the most direct and documented harm receive the largest payouts. Those with general nuisance claims receive smaller, but still meaningful, amounts.
The main categories of compensation being pursued include:
- Property damage: Costs to remediate contaminated soil, replace affected water systems, or repair physical damage caused by waste dumping
- Diminished property value: The difference between what your property was worth before contamination and what it is worth now
- Medical expenses: Out-of-pocket costs for treatment of health conditions linked to exposure
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Loss of use and enjoyment: Money for the inability to safely use your property during contamination
In comparable New York environmental cases, total settlement funds have ranged from several million to tens of millions of dollars. The per-person payout depends entirely on how many people file valid claims and how the fund gets divided.
Compensation is not automatic. You need to file a claim and provide supporting documentation. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim and the more money you are likely to receive.
Buffalo Biodiesel Lawsuit Payout
Buffalo Biodiesel lawsuit payouts have not been distributed yet as of 2026, because the case has not reached a final settlement or verdict. However, understanding the payout process helps you prepare.
Once a settlement is approved or a verdict is reached, a claims administrator is appointed. This person or firm manages the distribution process. They review every claim, verify eligibility, and calculate individual payouts based on the settlement formula.
Here is a typical payout timeline for environmental class actions:
| Phase | Estimated Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Settlement agreement reached | Mid to late 2026 (projected) |
| Court approval of settlement | 2 to 4 months after agreement |
| Claims filing period opens | 1 to 2 months after approval |
| Claims review and verification | 3 to 6 months |
| First payout checks mailed | 6 to 12 months after approval |
Payouts usually arrive as checks mailed to your address on file. Some settlements offer direct deposit options. Attorney fees, typically 25% to 33% of the total settlement, are deducted before distribution if you are part of a class action.
Individual lawsuit payouts (outside the class action) can be significantly larger but take longer and carry more risk. If you opt out of the class to pursue your own case, you bear the cost and uncertainty of solo litigation.
The bottom line: be patient, but be prepared. Gather your documents now so you are ready when the claims window opens.
How to File a Buffalo Biodiesel Claim
Filing a Buffalo Biodiesel claim requires gathering your evidence, completing a claim form, and submitting it before the deadline. The process is straightforward if you prepare in advance.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility.
Review the criteria discussed earlier. Make sure you have a connection to the affected areas and can demonstrate harm.
Step 2: Collect your documentation.
Gather everything that supports your claim:
- Proof of residence or property ownership (deeds, leases, utility bills)
- Medical records showing health issues during the contamination period
- Property damage evidence (photos, repair receipts, environmental test results)
- Personal records (journals, complaint letters to local authorities, odor logs)
Step 3: Obtain the claim form.
Once the claims process opens, forms will be available through the court-appointed claims administrator. Watch for public notices in local newspapers and official court announcements.
Step 4: Complete the form accurately.
Fill in every section. Attach copies (not originals) of your supporting documents. Double check dates, addresses, and dollar amounts.
Step 5: Submit before the deadline.
Mail or electronically submit your claim before the cutoff date. Late claims are almost always rejected, so do not wait until the last day.
If you are part of the class action, you typically do not need to hire your own attorney. The class counsel handles the legal work. Your job is to file your claim and provide honest, complete information.
Key Takeaway: Filing a claim is not complicated, but it requires preparation; start collecting your documents now so you are ready when the claims window opens.
Buffalo Biodiesel Lawsuit Deadline
The exact filing deadline for the Buffalo Biodiesel lawsuit has not been finalized as of early 2026. Deadlines will be set once a settlement is approved or the court establishes a claims process.
Typical environmental class action deadlines give claimants 60 to 120 days to file after the claims window opens. That sounds like a lot of time, but it goes fast. People who wait until the last week often scramble for documents and make mistakes on their forms.
Here is what you need to know about deadlines:
| Deadline Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Statute of Limitations (New York) | 3 years for personal injury; 6 years for property damage |
| Class Action Opt-Out Deadline | Set by court after class certification |
| Claims Filing Deadline | Set after settlement approval; typically 60 to 120 days |
| Appeal Period | 30 days after final judgment or settlement approval |
New York’s statute of limitations is critical if you are filing an individual lawsuit outside the class action. For personal injury claims, you generally have 3 years from when you discovered (or should have discovered) the harm. For property damage, the window extends to 6 years.
The “discovery rule” can extend these deadlines in contamination cases. If you did not know about the dumping until recently, the clock may not have started ticking until you became aware. This is a fact-specific determination that depends on your situation.
Do not assume you have unlimited time. Even if the statute of limitations has not expired, joining the case earlier gives you more options.
Buffalo Biodiesel Waste Dumping
Buffalo Biodiesel’s waste dumping is at the heart of this entire lawsuit. The company allegedly disposed of used cooking oil, grease trap waste, and biodiesel production byproducts at unauthorized locations throughout Western New York.
The company’s legitimate business involved collecting used cooking oil from restaurants and converting it into biodiesel fuel. That part is legal and even environmentally beneficial when done properly. The problem, according to allegations, is what happened to the waste that could not be converted.
Instead of paying for proper disposal at licensed facilities, Buffalo Biodiesel allegedly dumped excess waste in:
- Vacant lots and open fields in residential neighborhoods
- Storm drains and waterways that feed into local water systems
- Unauthorized storage sites where waste accumulated in deteriorating containers
Witnesses and former employees have described operations where trucks would unload waste in the middle of the night. Community members reported waking up to greasy residue on their properties and a persistent rancid smell that made outdoor activities impossible.
Waste grease is not just unpleasant. It contains fats, oils, and grease (known as FOG in the industry) that can contaminate soil, clog water infrastructure, and create breeding grounds for bacteria and pests. When dumped in large quantities near homes, it poses real environmental and health risks.
The volume of waste allegedly dumped makes this more than a minor violation. Court documents reference thousands of gallons over an extended period.
Buffalo Biodiesel Environmental Violations
Buffalo Biodiesel faces multiple environmental violations stemming from its waste disposal practices. These violations form the regulatory backbone of the civil lawsuit.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation documented violations related to:
- Improper storage of waste materials without required permits
- Discharge of pollutants into waterways and storm drainage systems
- Failure to maintain required environmental records and manifests
- Operating without necessary waste transporter permits for certain routes
- Violation of consent orders issued after initial regulatory action
Environmental violations in New York carry both civil and criminal penalties. The DEC can impose fines of up to $37,500 per day for certain violations under the Environmental Conservation Law. These regulatory penalties are separate from what affected residents can claim in civil court.
| Violation Type | Regulatory Basis | Potential Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Unlawful waste disposal | ECL Article 27 | Up to $37,500/day |
| Water pollution | Clean Water Act / ECL Article 17 | Up to $25,000/day |
| Permit violations | ECL Article 19 | Varies by severity |
| Consent order violations | Court-imposed | Contempt penalties |
The accumulation of violations matters for the civil lawsuit. Each documented violation makes it harder for Buffalo Biodiesel to argue that its practices were lawful or that any contamination was accidental. Regulatory findings often become powerful evidence in civil cases because they represent the government’s independent assessment.
Key Takeaway: Buffalo Biodiesel’s pattern of waste dumping and environmental violations, documented by New York’s DEC, forms the evidentiary foundation for residents’ compensation claims.
Buffalo Biodiesel Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping by Buffalo Biodiesel went beyond simple regulatory violations. The allegations describe a systematic pattern of disposing waste in places where it was never supposed to go.
The distinction between improper disposal and illegal dumping matters legally. Improper disposal might mean using a permitted facility incorrectly. Illegal dumping means using no permitted facility at all. Buffalo Biodiesel is accused of the latter, deliberately choosing unauthorized locations to save money on disposal fees.
Proper disposal of waste grease and biodiesel byproducts costs money. Licensed disposal facilities charge per gallon, and those fees add up quickly when you are processing thousands of gallons. The allegation is simple: Buffalo Biodiesel chose to dump for free rather than pay for legal disposal.
Reports from affected communities describe:
- Grease-slicked roadways and parking lots after overnight dumping
- Pooling of oily waste in low-lying areas near homes
- Contamination of garden soil making it unsafe for growing food
- Sewer backups caused by grease entering municipal drain systems
- Wildlife affected by oily residue in streams and drainage ditches
Local residents filed complaints with Erie County and the DEC over a period of months before enforcement action began. Many felt ignored initially. The lawsuit gives those residents a direct path to accountability and compensation that the regulatory process alone could not provide.
The scale of the alleged dumping is what elevates this case. A single incident might result in a fine. A sustained pattern suggests intentional conduct, which opens the door to larger damage awards.
Buffalo Biodiesel DEC Violations
The New York DEC issued formal violations against Buffalo Biodiesel after investigating complaints from residents and conducting site inspections. These DEC actions are a key piece of the lawsuit puzzle.
DEC investigators documented contamination at multiple sites linked to Buffalo Biodiesel’s operations. Soil samples revealed elevated levels of fats, oils, and grease well above acceptable thresholds. Water samples from nearby drainage areas showed similar contamination.
The DEC’s enforcement actions included:
- Notices of Violation formally identifying specific breaches of environmental law
- Consent Orders requiring the company to stop certain practices and clean up affected sites
- Monitoring requirements obligating the company to test soil and water at regular intervals
- Fines and penalties for documented violations
What makes DEC violations significant for your claim is that they represent an official government finding. You do not have to prove contamination happened on your own. The state already confirmed it. That is powerful evidence in any civil lawsuit.
A consent order is essentially a legal agreement between the DEC and the company. Buffalo Biodiesel agreed to certain cleanup and compliance steps. If the company violated those consent orders, the consequences escalate. Courts view consent order violations very seriously because the company already admitted there was a problem and promised to fix it.
For residents, the DEC’s paper trail is like having a referee confirm a foul. It takes the “he said, she said” element out of the equation.
Buffalo Biodiesel Health Effects
Exposure to waste grease and biodiesel byproducts can cause a range of health problems, and residents near Buffalo Biodiesel dump sites have reported several of them. If you experienced unexplained health issues during the contamination period, they may be connected to this case.
Reported health effects from residents in affected areas include:
- Respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing
- Skin irritation including rashes, itching, and contact dermatitis
- Headaches and nausea triggered by persistent foul odors
- Eye irritation from airborne contaminants
- Gastrointestinal issues potentially linked to contaminated water sources
- Worsening of pre-existing conditions like asthma and allergies
Decomposing fats and oils produce volatile organic compounds and hydrogen sulfide gas. Both are known respiratory irritants. Prolonged exposure, the kind that happens when a dump site is near your home for months, can cause chronic symptoms.
| Health Issue | Possible Cause | Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Breathing problems | Airborne VOCs from decomposing waste | Pulmonary function tests, doctor notes |
| Skin conditions | Direct contact with contaminated soil/water | Dermatologist records, photos |
| Nausea and headaches | Hydrogen sulfide and odor exposure | ER visits, primary care records |
| Water-related illness | Contaminated groundwater or well water | Water test results, GI treatment records |
Medical documentation is your strongest tool for a health-related claim. Visit your doctor and specifically mention your concern about environmental exposure. Ask for it to be noted in your medical record. That paper trail connects your symptoms to the contamination timeline.
Key Takeaway: Health effects reported near Buffalo Biodiesel dump sites include respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal problems, and documenting these with medical records is essential for your claim.
Buffalo Biodiesel Property Damage Claims
Property damage claims in the Buffalo Biodiesel lawsuit cover both physical contamination and loss of property value. If your land, home, or water supply was affected, you have a basis for compensation.
Physical property damage from waste dumping can include:
- Contaminated soil requiring professional remediation or removal
- Damaged landscaping and gardens rendered unusable by grease infiltration
- Compromised wells and water systems requiring testing, treatment, or replacement
- Structural impacts from prolonged exposure to oily residue (driveways, foundations, siding)
- Pest infestations attracted by decomposing organic waste
Beyond physical damage, there is the economic hit. Properties near known contamination sites lose value. Buyers do not want homes next to a former illegal dump site, even after cleanup. This stigma-based diminishment can persist for years.
To support a property damage claim, consider getting:
- A professional environmental assessment of your soil and water
- A real estate appraisal comparing your property’s value before and after contamination was discovered
- Receipts for any cleanup or repair work you have already done
- Photos documenting contamination on your property over time
Property damage claims tend to produce some of the highest individual payouts in environmental cases. The reason is straightforward: the costs are measurable. You can put a dollar figure on soil remediation, well replacement, and lost property value in a way that is harder to do with pain and suffering claims.
If you have not yet assessed your property for contamination, 2026 is the year to do it. Environmental testing results carry more weight when obtained closer to the contamination event, before natural processes dilute or disperse the evidence.
Buffalo Biodiesel Inc Lawsuit
Buffalo Biodiesel Inc. is the corporate entity at the center of this litigation. Understanding the company’s structure and history helps explain how this situation developed and who is ultimately liable.
Buffalo Biodiesel Inc. operated as a cooking oil recycling and biodiesel production company in the Western New York area. The company collected used cooking oil from restaurants, commercial kitchens, and food processing facilities. It then processed that oil into biodiesel fuel.
On paper, the business model was green and sustainable. Used cooking oil gets a second life as clean-burning fuel instead of ending up in landfills. The problem was not the concept. The problem was the execution.
According to court filings and regulatory documents, Buffalo Biodiesel Inc. allegedly:
- Took on more waste collection contracts than it could properly process
- Accumulated excess waste that exceeded its processing and storage capacity
- Chose unauthorized disposal methods to avoid paying for proper waste management
- Continued operating in violation of DEC orders
The company’s leadership and management decisions are under scrutiny. In lawsuits like this, corporate officers and directors can sometimes be held personally liable if they directed or knowingly allowed the illegal activity. That is a separate legal question that may play out as the case progresses.
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Buffalo Biodiesel Inc. |
| Industry | Waste cooking oil recycling, biodiesel production |
| Location | Western New York / Erie County area |
| Primary Allegation | Illegal waste dumping |
| Regulatory Action | DEC violations and consent orders |
| Civil Litigation | Class action and individual claims |
Whether the company has adequate assets or insurance to cover a large settlement remains to be seen. In some environmental cases, companies declare bankruptcy to limit liability. If that happens here, it could affect the size of the available settlement fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money can I get from the Buffalo Biodiesel lawsuit?
Most claimants can expect between $200 and $15,000 depending on the type and severity of their claim.
Property damage and health-related claims with strong documentation tend to produce the highest payouts.
Final amounts will be determined once a settlement is approved or a verdict is reached.
What is the deadline to file a Buffalo Biodiesel claim in 2026?
No specific claims filing deadline has been set yet because the case has not reached a settlement.
Once a settlement is approved, claimants will typically have 60 to 120 days to submit their forms.
Watch for court announcements and public notices in Western New York media outlets.
Do I qualify for the Buffalo Biodiesel class action lawsuit?
You likely qualify if you lived near, owned property near, or were otherwise affected by Buffalo Biodiesel’s alleged dump sites.
Health problems, property damage, or persistent odor disruption during the contamination period all support eligibility.
You do not need to prove you personally saw the dumping; proximity and harm are what matter.
What did Buffalo Biodiesel do wrong?
Buffalo Biodiesel allegedly dumped waste cooking oil, grease, and biodiesel byproducts at unauthorized locations instead of paying for proper disposal.
The New York DEC documented multiple environmental violations including illegal discharge and permit failures.
These actions allegedly contaminated soil and water near residential areas in Western New York.
Is there a Buffalo Biodiesel settlement in 2026?
No final settlement has been announced as of early 2026, but the case is moving toward resolution.
Court-ordered mediation and advanced discovery suggest serious settlement negotiations are possible this year.
Affected residents should prepare their documentation now to be ready when the claims process opens.
The Buffalo Biodiesel lawsuit in 2026 represents a real chance for affected Western New York residents to get compensated for environmental harm. The evidence from DEC violations and community complaints is substantial.
Start gathering your medical records, property documents, and any evidence of contamination now. When the claims window opens, you want to be first in line with a complete file.
Stay informed by monitoring court filings and local news. This case is expected to see major developments throughout 2026, and the people who act early will be in the best position.
