EPA has announced it will increase efforts to prevent catastrophic accidents and explosions that threaten employees and emergency responders and release chemicals that threaten human health and the environment in neighboring communities. EPA selects National Enforcement Initiatives (NEIs) every three years to focus resources on national environmental problems where there is significant non-compliance with laws, and where federal enforcement efforts can make a difference. National Enforcement Initiatives are in addition to EPA’s core enforcement work, including protecting safe drinking water, reducing air pollution, and protecting safe and healthy land. The initiatives are chosen with input from the public and from stakeholders across EPA’s state, local and tribal agency partners. Starting October 1, 2016 and continuing for three (3) fiscal years, EPA will retain four (4) of its current National Enforcement Initiatives, add two (2) new initiatives, and expand one (1) to include a new area of focus.
Air
Reducing Air Pollution from the Largest Sources
Cutting Hazardous Air Pollutants (Expanded initiative for FY17-19)
Energy Extraction
Ensuring Energy Extraction Activities Comply with Environmental Laws
Hazardous Chemicals
Reducing Pollution from Mineral Processing Operations (Returning to base program level in FY17)
Reducing Risks of Accidental Releases at Industrial and Chemical Facilities (New initiative for FY17-19)
Thousands of facilities nationwide, many of which are in low income or minority communities, make, use and store extremely hazardous substances. Catastrophic accidents at these facilities—historically about 150 each year—result in fatalities and serious injuries, evacuations, and risk of harm to health and the environment. EPA will focus on reducing the risks of accidents through innovative accident prevention measures, and improving response capabilities.
Water
Keeping Raw Sewage and Contaminated Stormwater Out of Our Nation’s Waters
Preventing Animal Waste from Contaminating Surface and Ground Water
Keeping Industrial Pollutants Out of the Nation’s Waters (New initiative for FY17-19)