Highlights of the US EPA 2022 Enforcement and Compliance Accomplishments

What are the USEPA’s Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives?

Every four years, the USEPA establishes National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives (NECIs) to focus resources on the most severe environmental problems impacting the United States. In December 2022, the USEPA wrapped up Year 3 of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 – 2023 cycle and released a summary of its accomplishments. The USEPA stated in its announcement:

Our work reduced, treated or eliminated 95 million pounds of pollutants and required violators to pay over $300 million in penalties, fines and restitution. Our primary focus was advancing environmental justice (EJ), rebuilding EPA’s national inspector corps, and working to mitigate the effects of climate change, particularly in communities overburdened by pollution.

The USEPA will continue to advance the current NECIs through the end of 2023, following which a new set of initiatives will be selected for FY 2024-2027. Before making final decisions, USEPA will gather and consider input on the proposed new NECIs from states, territories, and tribes, as well as from the public, environmental groups, and regulated entities. To provide ample opportunity for stakeholder input, USEPA plans to publish the potential options in the Federal Register for comment and consider the feedback in selecting the final NECIs.

Looking Forward to 2023

Through the FY 2020-2023 NECIs, the USEPA will continue strengthening enforcement of environmental violations in overburdened and vulnerable communities as part of a focus on environmental justice considerations.

In 2022, the USEPA accomplishments focused on “protecting vulnerable communities using the full range of compliance monitoring and enforcement tools, including inspections, technical assistance supported by advanced technologies, and early actions and innovative remedies to ensure high levels of compliance with federal environmental laws and regulations.” Look for a similar focus in 2023.

Do you have questions about if your facility may be subject to USEPA inspections and/or enforcement actions? If so, BBJ Group is here to help. Our Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Regulatory Compliance team brings a unique combination of broad regulatory knowledge and functional expertise to minimize or eliminate risks that cost clients time and money. Our compliance services are designed to enhance our client’s relationships with communities, investors, and regulatory agencies.

References

Enforcement and Compliance Annual Results for Fiscal Year 2022

National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives

Updated Policy for EPA's Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives