The Environmental Protection Agency has significantly increased on-site inspections and enforcement actions, particularly focusing on disadvantaged communities affected by pollution.
-Matthew Daly and Michael Phillis report for the Associated Press.
In short:
- The EPA conducted more inspections this year than any since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with a 70% increase in criminal investigations compared to 2022.
- Enforcement actions led to the reduction of 1.84 billion pounds of pollutants and violators paying more than $704 million in fines and penalties.
- Despite these advances, the EPA's enforcement staff numbers remain below their peak from over a decade ago, even as efforts are made to add about 300 positions.
Key quote:
"While our work is not complete, EPA’s revitalized enforcement program is making a positive difference in communities across America, particularly for people living in underserved and overburdened communities that for too long have borne the brunt of pollution."
— David Uhlmann, EPA’s assistant administrator for enforcement.
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