The Biden administration set a new precedent in environmental enforcement during the 2024 fiscal year, including the first-ever arrest for violations of anti-climate change regulations under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its annual enforcement report on Thursday, showcasing significant increases in penalties, prosecutions, and pollution reduction initiatives.
One of the year’s standout enforcement actions was the arrest of Michael Hart of San Diego in March for allegedly smuggling hydrofluorocarbons, a synthetic compound widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning. The AIM Act requires an 85% reduction in these potent greenhouse gases by 2036. Hart’s arrest marks the first such case under the act, with the EPA warning that more are expected.
The EPA report revealed a 3.4% increase in civil cases and a 17.6% rise in criminal charges compared to 2023. The agency also noted a 12% increase in new criminal investigations stemming from referrals within the EPA. As of the end of 2024, approximately 480 open criminal investigations are underway.
The agency’s 2024 enforcement efforts prioritized mitigating climate change, addressing PFAS contamination, preventing coal ash-related environmental harm, reducing air toxics in underserved communities, ensuring compliance with drinking water standards, and reducing chemical accident risks. Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann praised the results, stating, “The progress made under the Biden-Harris Administration has sent a clear signal that polluters will be held accountable and that protecting communities from harm is a top priority.”
President Biden’s focus on green energy projects has driven these initiatives, with billions allocated to climate-related programs in the administration’s final months. However, with President-elect Donald Trump set to assume office in January, the future direction of these enforcement efforts remains uncertain. Trump’s incoming administration has signaled a rollback of certain environmental regulations implemented during the Biden presidency, potentially shifting the EPA’s priorities in the coming year.
