Enforcement at the EPA: High Stakes and Hard Choices (Chapter 4: Destruction, Confusion, Confrontation, and Disarray: EPA Enforcement and Congressional Oversight in the Gorsuch Era)
Enforcement at the EPA: High Stakes and Hard Choices (University of Texas Press, 2012) (revised edition)
22 Pages Posted: 9 Oct 2012 Last revised: 26 Oct 2012
Date Written: October 8, 2012
Abstract
This is one chapter from a recently published work that was described by the editorial staff of the University of Texas Press as follows: "The only published work that treats the historical evolution of EPA enforcement, this book provides a candid inside glimpse of a crucial aspect of the work of an important federal agency. Based on 190 personal interviews with present and former enforcement officials at EPA, the U.S. Department of Justice, and key congressional staff members — along with extensive research among EPA documents and secondary sources — the book vividly recounts the often tumultuous history of EPA’s enforcement program. It also analyzes some important questions regarding EPA’s institutional relationships and the Agency’s working environment." This chapter discusses EPA’s enforcement history from 1981 to early, 1983 — a period when the Reagan administration made a systematic effort to undermine — if not completely abolish — EPA’s enforcement of pollution control laws, and concerted congressional opposition to this plan led to its undoing, and the subsequent resignations of 19 top-level EPA officials.
Keywords: EPA enforcement, EPA, U.S. Department of Justice, congressional oversight, history, enforcement program, pollution control laws, resignation
JEL Classification: I18, K10, K32, K42
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation