The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its Fiscal Year 2024 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Annual Results, showcasing a significant improvement in efforts to hold polluters accountable and protect communities. The agency reported over 1,800 concluded civil cases, more than 120 criminal defendants charged, and reductions of over 225 million pounds of pollution in heavily impacted areas.
David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, stated that "In Fiscal Year 2024, EPA’s enforcement and compliance assurance program produced its strongest results since 2017." He emphasized the administration's focus on combating climate change and addressing major environmental threats.
During FY 2024, the EPA conducted more than half of its on-site inspections in communities with high levels of pollution. These actions exceeded their annual goal and aimed to ensure clean air and safe drinking water across the United States.
A key component of this year's efforts was the "Climate Enforcement and Compliance Strategy," which targets climate change through various enforcement actions. This strategy led to over 450 inspections focused on reducing emissions from oil and gas operations as well as landfills.
The EPA also advanced six National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives (NECIs), including new national initiatives on climate change, PFAS chemicals, and coal ash contamination. Continuing previous initiatives from past cycles involved tackling air toxics, ensuring safe drinking water, and preventing chemical accidents.
Significant achievements included a reduction or elimination of 2.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions; $1.7 billion in penalties; completion of 1,851 civil cases; charging of 121 criminal defendants; conducting over 8,500 inspections; performing more than half these inspections in polluted areas; and finalizing numerous Superfund enforcement settlements in affected communities.
These results underline the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to safeguarding public health while enhancing environmental protection measures for future generations.
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