The Environmental Protection Agency conducted more on-site inspections of polluting industrial sites this year than any time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency said Monday as it seeks to reinvigorate its enforcement program after more than a decade of budget cuts.
EPA opened nearly 200 criminal investigations this year, a 70% increase over 2022, the agency said in a report. It completed nearly 1,800 civil settlements, a 9% increase over 2022. More than half the inspections and settlements involved poor and disadvantaged communities long scarred by pollution, the agency said, reflecting the Biden administration’s emphasis on environmental justice issues.
But some parts of EPA’s enforcement efforts still lag. In 2023, for example, it charged 102 defendants criminally. The Trump administration charged more every year, although most years only marginally. Nearly 200 defendants were charged in the latter years of the Obama administration. There is, however, an uptick in the number of criminal cases they’ve opened recently.
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EPA's commitment is unmatched and we can surely see the results of the great work they've been doing
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The kind of work the EPA has been doing this year has been at an all time high and it is very commendable
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This report underscores the administration's commitment to addressing environmental issues and promoting justice in impacted communities.
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This is amazing... It is important to recognize such efforts made by EPA... With Biden's administration I am sure more milestones will be achieved in the environmental protection sector
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The policies should be embrace and support with all other shakeholder to ensure this move is effective
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This signals a renewed commitment to addressing environmental concerns.
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That's a positive step in the right direction for protecting our environment.
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The EPA can do more in environmental protection if it didn't choose what battle ls to fight and which to leave. It needs to serve interests their citizens
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This is a great milestone, happy to see Biden's administration make this positive steps.
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It's encouraging to see the Biden administration making strides in environmental enforcement.
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@george_kariuki it's amazing how Biden's administration is committed to making changes that will benefit the country and the planet at large
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@george_kariuki They are definitely doing the best