Legal Decisions

Administrative Law Judge Decisions

The Administrative Law Judges conduct hearings and render decisions in proceedings between the EPA and persons, businesses, government entities, and other organizations which are or are alleged to be regulated under environmental laws. Administrative Law Judges preside in enforcement and permit proceedings in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. Most enforcement actions initiated by the EPA are for the assessment of civil penalties.

Environmental Appeals Board Opinions

The Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is the final Agency decisionmaker on
administrative appeals under all major environmental statutes that EPA administers. It is an impartial, four-member body
which is independent of all Agency components outside the immediate Office of the Administrator.

Regional Judicial Officers

EPA's Regional Judicial Officers (RJOs) perform adjudicatory functions and act as Agency neutrals in administrative cases. EPA's RJOs are senior attorneys with backgrounds in EPA enforcement, general law, or both. Nine of the ten EPA Regions have a designated attorney(s) to serve as a standing RJO. Region 6 has two standing RJOs.