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Planning and Results |  |
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EPA's Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Partnerships
In its enforcement programs and activities, EPA works closely with
the states (e.g., in conducting inspections, in joint development
of cases, etc.) which have been authorized by EPA to carry out
the federal programs. To be " authorized," a state must
have enforcement programs and statutes that are essentially as
stringent as the federal programs. Authorized states bear the
lion's share of responsibility for implementing federal programs.
EPA also receives assistance in its enforcement activities from
the tribal governments as well as other federal agencies. More
detailed information about the state and tribal partnerships in
enforcement is given below. States States play a crucial role in enforcing the nation's environmental laws. Although there are some programs for which States cannot receive authorization (e.g., the Oil Pollution Act program under Section 311 of the Clean Water Act), States can apply for and receive authorization to administer most environmental programs. As most States have approval to implement and enforce at least a portion of the environmental laws, it is critical that States and EPA work together to ensure effective enforcement. Strengthening this enforcement partnership through joint planning and priority setting and joint enforcement actions as appropriate is a high priority for EPA. 
Tribes EPA is committed to working with Tribal governments on a government-to-government basis and recognizes the right of Indian tribes to self-government in the implementation and administration of environmental programs. In November 1984, Administrator William Ruckelshaus signed the EPA Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian Reservations. This 1984 policy forms the basis for EPA's work with Tribes and was reaffirmed by Administrator Whitman in 2001. In January 2001, OECA issued " Final Guidance on the Enforcement Principles Outlined in the 1984 Indian Policy". This document was developed to implement the enforcement principles in the Indian Policy and to clarify EPA's internal coordination process when EPA considers taking an enforcement action against a tribal facility. OECA continues to develop its tribal program and will post updates about this on this site on a periodic basis.
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