U.S. Environmental Protection Agency strategy since 2017 to prioritize compliance with U.S. environmental laws over enforcement—as well as budget and staff shortages and management decisions in the last decade—have led to fewer enforcement actions and lower penalties, says the agency inspector general in May 12 and May 13 reports. COVID-19 issues also have been a recent factor.
Between 2007 and 2018, there were 58% fewer enforcements with injunctive relief, and 48% fewer both with penalties and with supplemental environmental projects, according to one IG report The falloff led to a decline in the cleanup of pollution and a drop in emission reductions, the watchdog says.