Environmental Enforcement Trends in the Second Obama Administration

 

Although the second Obama Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency will have a new administrator, signals point to continued aggressive enforcement activities designed to punish violators, reduce pollution, and reshape the industrial economy.

EPA will continue inspections and enforcement activities against air emissions of large industrial facilities, including efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  EPA is stepping up enforcement of hazardous wastes and materials, and regulators are pursuing facilities such as warehouses, big-box stores, and pharmacies with environmental inspections and penalties.  Many do not know they are even subject to such regulations.

EPA will continue inspecting and enforcing risk management plans at major industrial facilities, where penalties recently have included six-figure fines and criminal prosecutions.

Objectives:  This presentation will discuss EPA’s enforcement priorities and trends, including several that are not well-publicized.  It will present EHS professionals the tools to recognize when facilities are at risk for enforcement activities and tips on compliance and preparedness.  It will discuss how facilities can respond to environmental inspections and defenses that may be available.