Lion's office will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. For help with online training, please contact support@lion.com.
Search

9 States Challenge EPA’s COVID-19 Enforcement Policy

Posted on 5/18/2020 by Roger Marks

Attorneys General from nine states filed suit against US EPA over the agency’s Temporary Policy on environmental enforcement during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The states filed the complaint to “challenge a final agency policy under which EPA has stated it ‘will not’ enforce a wide range of monitoring and reporting requirements under federal environmental laws” on May 13 in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Attorneys General from California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Virginia have this to say about EPA’s COVID-19 enforcement policy:

“…rather than exercising enforcement discretion as authorized by law, EPA issued a broad, open-ended policy that gives regulated parties free rein to self-determine when compliance with federal environmental laws is not practical because of COVID-19.”

Issued on March 26, 2020, EPA’s temporary enforcement policy applies to civil violations of routine environmental monitoring and reporting obligations.

Petition for Emergency Rulemaking

These nine states are not the first to file suit concerning EPA’s COVID-19 policy.  

On April 1, groups including the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) petitioned EPA to create an emergency rulemaking that would obligate companies to inform the public of their intention invoke the COVID-19 defense. After waiting two weeks for a response from EPA, the groups filed suit on April 16.

The suit asks the Court “to order EPA to respond to the emergency rulemaking petition as soon as possible.” 

Convenient, Effective Online EHS Manager Training

Managing site compliance with the many complex EPA programs that affect your business—from the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts to TSCA, EPCRA, CERLCA, and more—is a major challenge. If you’re new to the field or need an update on changing EPA rules, online training is a convenient way to quickly build in-depth expertise.

Check out the latest EPA compliance training courses:
Complete Environmental Regulations  
Clean Air Act Regulations Online
TSCA Regulations Online
Clean Water Act & SDWA Regulations Online
Superfund and Right-to-Know Act Regulations Online 
 

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Course instructor was better prepared and presented better than other trainers. Course manual and references were easier to use as well.

Marty Brownfield

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

No comparison. Lion has the best RCRA training ever!!

Matt Sabine

Environmental Specialist

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

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.