Congressional Hearing on EPA Enforcement Practices
January 1, 2020
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The Frame
The hearing provides a record of the debate regarding how the EPA monitors and penalizes environmental violations, which directly impacts the regulatory environment for industries and the protection of public health.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Environmental Protection Agency
The agency's enforcement policies and annual results were the subject of congressional review and questioning.
Regulated Industries
Changes in EPA enforcement priorities and strategies directly impact the regulatory oversight these industries face.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2020.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The hearing took place on February 26, 2019, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
- The primary subject was the EPA's enforcement and compliance assurance program.
- The hearing included testimony from seven witnesses, including EPA officials, academic experts, and environmental policy advocates.
- The subcommittee reviewed the 'Fiscal Year 2018 EPA Enforcement and Compliance Annual Results' report.
- The hearing explored the balance between regulatory enforcement and compliance assistance.
- Witnesses provided perspectives on the historical trends of EPA enforcement actions.
- The transcript includes submitted answers to questions for the record from Susan Parker Bodine and Ronald J. Tenpas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of this hearing?
Who testified at the hearing?
Why It Matters
The hearing provides a record of the debate regarding how the EPA monitors and penalizes environmental violations, which directly impacts the regulatory environment for industries and the protection of public health.
News Coverage
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Focus on Enforcement vs. Compliance
The hearing highlights a tension between traditional enforcement (penalties) and compliance assistance (helping entities follow rules) within the EPA's 2018 strategy.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy50Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment15Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz10Current news / social attention level
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