The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its Fiscal Year 2024 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Annual Results, showcasing the agency's renewed efforts to hold polluters accountable and protect communities. The EPA reported over 1,800 concluded civil cases, more than 120 criminal defendants charged, and a reduction of over 225 million pounds of pollution in heavily impacted communities.
David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, stated: “In Fiscal Year 2024, EPA’s enforcement and compliance assurance program produced its strongest results since 2017, focusing on efforts to combat climate change and tackling some of the nation’s most significant environmental threats to our shared air, water and land.” He emphasized that the progress under the Biden-Harris Administration indicates a commitment to holding polluters accountable.
The agency made strides in supporting communities most affected by pollution. It conducted 53% of on-site inspections in these areas, surpassing its goal of 50%. Half of the civil enforcement cases also addressed facilities in these regions.
EPA implemented its "Climate Enforcement and Compliance Strategy," aiming to address climate change through various enforcement actions. This year saw efforts to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations and curb unlawful imports of hydrofluorocarbons.
The EPA focused on six National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives (NECIs) for FY 2024-2027, addressing major pollution threats nationwide. These include initiatives on climate change, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), coal ash contamination, air toxics, safe drinking water, and preventing chemical accidents.
Key achievements include reducing or eliminating 2.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions and achieving $1.7 billion in penalties—the highest level since FY 2017. Additionally, there were over 8,500 inspections conducted with a notable increase from FY 2023.
The EPA's work during FY 2024 lays a foundation for ongoing efforts to protect human health and the environment.
For more information about the EPA’s FY 2024 enforcement accomplishments or to report environmental violations, visit their website.
