EPA Brings In Billions In Enforcement Fines — Most Stem From Obama Era

"The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday released annual data about how it is enforcing the nation’s environmental laws, saying it had racked up nearly $5 billion in criminal fines and civil penalties, as well as significant commitments from companies to clean up contaminated sites around the country.

Trump administration critics were quick to point out that many of the actions highlighted in the report  — which include cases through the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30 — were initiated under the Obama administration. That leaves ongoing questions about how aggressively the EPA under Administrator Scott Pruitt will prosecute polluters, they say.

“We are highlighting accomplishments and honoring employees for all the great work they’ve done,” said Susan Bodine, the agency’s top enforcement official, who was confirmed by the Senate in December. A strong enforcement program “is essential,” she added, and in line with Pruitt’s promises to hold polluters accountable."

Brady Dennis reports for the Washington Post February 8, 2018.