Environmental Law

USEPA?s 2010 Budget

By Walter James

On May 12, 2009, Lisa P. Jackson, USEPA?s Administrator, appeared before the United States Senate?s Environment and Public Works Committee?s Hearing on EPA?s 2010 Budget Proposal.  As to civil and criminal enforcement, Ms. Jackson is seeking an increase of $32,000,000.00 from last year (for a total of $600,000,000.00 for civil and criminal enforcement alone).  In a prepared statement, she stated: ?The $600 million enforcement budget reflects the President?s strong commitment to enforcing of our Nation?s environmental laws and ensures that EPA has the resources necessary to maintain a robust and effective criminal and civil enforcement program.?  The budget request includes an increase of almost thirty (30) additional positions specifically for civil and criminal enforcement.  Jackson also stated: ?Experience has shown that investing in our enforcement program yields tangible pollution reductions and fundamental behavioral change in the regulated community.? 

So, if you were wondering, you will see an increase in enforcement activity in the coming years.

More later.

As always, feel free to contact me via e-mail at walter.james@jamespllc.com.

WDJiii

Full post as published by Environmental Crimes Blog on May 13, 2009 (boomark / email).