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United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Administrative Law Judges
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Scales Icon The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ) is an independent office in the Office of the Administrator of the EPA. 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.

All litigants are offered the opportunity to resolve enforcement cases through Alternative Dispute Resolution, with an Administrative Law Judge serving as a neutral, prior to assignment of the case for litigation before another Administrative Law Judge.

Federal administrative law judges are certified by the Office of Personnel Management and appointed in accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 3105. They have decisional independence pursuant to Section 557 of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. § 557 which ensures the fair and impartial resolution of proceedings.

Decisions issued by the Administrative Law Judges are subject to review by the Environmental Appeals Board (EAB). The Administrative Law Judge's initial decision, which is a disposition of all of the issues in a proceeding, becomes the final order of the EPA within 45 days after service upon the parties unless a party appeals to the EAB or the EAB on its own initiative elects to review the initial decision.

 

 
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