EPA Defends Eased Enforcement But States Give Mixed Messages

A top EPA official Friday defended the agency’s decision to ease certain monitoring and reporting requirements during the coronavirus pandemic, saying “acute” threats or accidental releases of chemicals and pollution won’t be ignored.

The Environmental Protection Agency isn’t “walking away at all,” from holding U.S. industries accountable, Susan Bodine said at an online forum hosted by the American Bar Association’s Environment, Energy, and Resources section.

Bodine, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, authored the agency’s March 26 guidance.

The memo said the EPA wouldn’t seek fines for routine reporting and monitoring. The policy was made retroactive ...