To Bolster EJ, OECA Calls For Aggressive Action In Cleanup Enforcement

EPA’s acting enforcement chief is calling on cleanup officials to take a series of more aggressive and swift actions, including empowering regions to issue unilateral orders, and prioritizing early actions and interim relief to ensure responsible parties are undertaking prompt cleanups, particularly in areas impacting overburdened communities. In a July 1 memo titled “Strengthening Environmental Justice Through Cleanup Enforcement Actions,” Lawrence Starfield, acting chief of EPA’s Office of Enforcement & Compliance Assurance (OECA), says the memo aims to provide steps...