The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a substantial uptick in enforcement actions, resulting in significant reductions in pollution within some of the most affected communities. This comes as part of the agency’s final report on actions taken during the current administration.
This year, the EPA reported a noteworthy conclusion of over 1,800 civil cases, marking a 3% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, the agency charged 120 criminal defendants, reflecting a 17.6% rise in criminal charges. These efforts are credited with reducing over 225 million pounds of pollution, particularly in communities that have historically been overburdened by environmental pollutants.
David Uhlmann, the EPA’s assistant administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance, highlighted the agency’s focus on tackling modern environmental challenges. With the aid of 300 new hires, the enforcement program targeted areas such as climate change, environmental justice, and chemical waste. Over half of the EPA’s inspections and settlements were concentrated in disadvantaged communities, aligning with the administration’s emphasis on environmental justice.
A significant case involved a California man facing criminal charges for allegedly smuggling hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) into the United States. HFCs, known for their severe impact on the climate, were once commonly utilized in refrigeration and air conditioning. The EPA has committed to enforcing a regulation that calls for a 40% reduction in HFCs, contributing to global efforts against climate change.
Another major development involved engine maker Cummins Inc., which agreed to pay over $2 billion in fines and penalties. The company was found to have used illegal software to bypass diesel emissions tests, affecting nearly 600,000 Ram trucks. This settlement stands as the largest to date under the Clean Air Act. Further, the EPA and the Justice Department secured a $241.5 million settlement with Marathon Oil for air quality violations in North Dakota, leading to a projected reduction of over 2.3 million tons of harmful emissions.
Uhlmann expressed confidence in the momentum of the EPA’s enforcement initiatives, noting that increased funding and staffing have enabled the agency to make significant strides. Despite previous budget cuts and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency has revitalized its enforcement program. Uhlmann emphasized the importance of maintaining nonpartisan enforcement of environmental laws, irrespective of political changes.
With these enforcement actions, the EPA has demonstrated a strong commitment to reducing pollution and protecting vulnerable communities. As the administration transitions, the agency’s focus on upholding the rule of law remains a cornerstone of its mission, highlighting the critical nature of these efforts in safeguarding public health and the environment.
Source: Apnews
