Search

EPA Revises 40 CFR to Clarify Penalty Amounts

Posted on 12/2/2024 by Lion Technology Inc.

EPA is adding language to several sections of regulations in 40 CFR to clarify the price of civil penalties assessed for environmental violations.

To subparagraphs of regulations that address enforcement and/or civil penalties, EPA is adding new text that reads as follows: 

“The civil monetary penalty amount listed in this section may not reflect recent inflation adjustments EPA is required to make. The current maximum and minimum statutory civil penalty amounts are located in §19.4.”

For example: Under 40 CFR Part 372—Toxic Chemical Release Reporting, also known as TRI reporting and required by EPCRA—subparagraph 372.18 is titled “Compliance and enforcement.” 

In this subparagraph, EPA states that a penalty for violating this section is “not to exceed $25,000 per day, per violation.” If we look at 40 CFR 19.4—where the newly added text tells us to look—we see the current civil penalty amount actually exceeds $25,000 by a lot. In reality, EPCRA penalties assessed after December 27, 2023, can be as high as $69,733 per day, per violation.

EPA Revises 40 CFR to Clarify Penalty Amounts

Why Do the Regs Say $25,000? 

Throughout the regulations that implement US environmental programs are paragraphs that provide a minimum and/or maximum dollar amount a person can be made to pay for violating a rule. Typically, the maximum amount is $25,000. 

The $25,000 figure is called the “statutory” penalty amount, meaning it comes directly from a law (or “statute”) passed by Congress. Some of these laws—the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, EPCRA, CERCLA/Superfund, TSCA—were first passed in the 1970s and '80s. 

While Congress later amended many of these laws, the original statutory penalty amounts did not change. In 1990 and again in 2015, however, Congress passed laws directing regulatory agencies to update their maximum and minimum penalty amounts on a regular basis to keep pace with inflation. Today, agencies including US EPA, US DOT, and OSHA increase maximum and minimum civil penalties for violations on an annual basis.

Next EPA Penalty Increase Imminent 

Current law requires EPA (and other regulatory agencies) to increase civil penalties annually, based on inflation, before January 15 of each new year. Industry stakeholders should expect penalties to increase again later this month, or in early January. 

EPA's last penalty hike occurred in late December 2023. 

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

These are the best commercial course references I have seen (10+ years). Great job!

Ed Grzybowski

EHS & Facility Engineer

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

The online course was well thought out and organized, with good interaction between the student and the course.

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Find out what makes DOT hazmat training mandatory for employees who sign the hazardous waste manifest, a “dually regulated” document for tracking shipments.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.