"Another signal of declining enforcement: Through September of last year, the EPA issued $41 million in penalties-$8 million less than the same period in the first year of the Biden administration, after adjusting for inflation. This suggests "the Trump Administration may be letting more polluters get by with a slap on the wrist when the Administration does take enforcement action," the report reads."
"The report notes that many court cases last longer than a year, so it will take time to get a clearer sense of how environmental enforcement is changing under the Trump administration. However, the early data compiled by the Environmental Integrity Project and other nonprofits shows a clear and steep shift away from legal actions against polluters. Historically, administrations have a "lot of leeway on making enforcement decisions," Kranz said. But this stark of a drop could prompt lawsuits against the Trump administration, she added."
EPA enforcement actions and penalties have declined, with $41 million in penalties issued through September — $8 million less than the comparable period in the prior administration after adjusting for inflation. Fewer lawsuits, penalties, and enforcement actions may harm communities nationwide. Administrative deregulation through repealed rules and extended compliance deadlines coincides with reduced enforcement. Many court cases last longer than a year, so comprehensive assessment will require time, but early data indicate a steep shift away from legal action against polluters. The sharp decline in enforcement could lead to legal challenges arguing an abdication of statutory duties.
Read at Ars Technica
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