EPA In The Trump Era: Enforcement And Compliance Changes

Partner Wayne D’Angelo authored the article ​“EPA In The Trump Era: Enforcement And Compliance Changes,” an installment in Law360​’s special series on environmental law developments that have taken place since President Trump took office and Scott Pruitt took over as head of the EPA. Having served at the EPA during George W. Bush’s first term, Wayne offers his perspective on how the agency’s approach is reset by each new administration.

According to Wayne, it is too early to draw conclusions on the Trump EPA’s approach to enforcement and compliance.  He warns that ​“regulated entities that misconstrue this administration’s efforts to improve compliance as an opportunity to shun their obligations are taking an enormous risk, and missing an even bigger opportunity.” Wayne advises companies to be proactive in improving their environmental compliance and stewardship and take advantage of opportunities to better understand the EPA.