why does epa need attorney general help

by Kelton Sporer I 8 min read

The Attorney is the person responsible for registering the EPA. This is because the EPA is only registered when the Attorney believes that the Donor is becoming or has become mentally incapable of handling his or her own affairs. What if Attorneys are appointed to act ‘jointly and severally’?

OGC lawyers provide legal counsel to EPA policy-makers, thus providing critical input to rules, regulations, and guidance documents that are promulgated and issued to implement the Agency's statutory obligations.Mar 28, 2022

Full Answer

What does an EPA lawyer do?

 · Attorney Positions and Fellowships in EPA's Office of General Counsel (OGC) OGC is the chief legal advisor to the EPA, the federal agency with primary responsibility for implementing the nation's environmental laws. OGC attorneys provide counsel to EPA policy makers on legal issues associated with implementing these environmental laws, as well as the …

Why do we need the EPA in the US?

 · Our attorneys work on cutting-edge legal issues, are given extraordinary responsibility even at an early stage in their careers, and are recognized as legal experts. EPA attorneys work in these EPA offices: the Office of General Counsel (OGC) at EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C. the Office of Inspector General (OIG) at headquarters;

What is the role of the EPA Inspector General?

 · State Attorneys General Call on EPA to Rescind Policy Limiting Enforcement of Federal Civil Environmental and Public Health Laws

Where is the Office of General Counsel at EPA?

 · In short, the EPA makes it so that our air, water, and lands are clean and free of toxic pollutants. It does this partially through research, and partially through enforcement. EPA officials enforce laws passed by Congress and determine how to meet the goals of legislation like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

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Why does the EPA need an Environmental Justice Department?

EPA works with all stakeholders to constructively and collaboratively address environmental and public health issues and concerns. The Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) coordinates the Agency's efforts to integrate environmental justice into all policies, programs, and activities.

Does the EPA actually do anything?

The Environmental Protection Agency is a United States federal government agency whose mission is to protect human and environmental health. The EPA regulates the manufacturing, processing, distribution, and use of chemicals and other pollutants.

What does the EPA investigate?

EPA Special Agents investigate the most significant and egregious violations of environmental laws which pose significant threats to human health and the environment. Your Safety Comes First - never try and investigate on your own - report what you see at www.epa.gov/tips.

What powers of enforcement does the EPA have?

It was established in 1982 and granted full law enforcement authority by congress in 1988. We enforce the nations laws by investigating cases, collecting evidence, conducting forensic analyses and providing legal guidance to assist with prosecutions.

What issues does the EPA deal with?

We work with businesses, non-profit organizations, and state and local governments through dozens of partnerships. A few examples include conserving water and energy, minimizing greenhouse gases, re-using solid waste, and getting a handle on pesticide risks.

What are 5 functions of the Environmental Protection Agency EPA?

The EPA has five main objectives, called "core functions." These include: 1) Pollution Prevention, which is also know as "source reduction"; 2) Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction, which is the task of identifying those issues which pose the greatest risks to human health and the environment and taking action to reduce ...

What are the two types of violations that can be reported to the EPA?

Common ViolationsIllegal disposal of hazardous waste.Export of hazardous waste without the permission of the receiving country.Illegal discharge of pollutants to a water of the United States.The removal and disposal of regulated asbestos containing materials in a manner inconsistent with the law and regulations.More items...•

What are environmental violations?

An environmental violation is something that violates environmental law or regulation. It could include for example: improper emissions, the improper treatment of hazardous waste, or the improper dredging of wetlands.

When should you contact the EPA?

Fraud, Waste or Abuse If you suspect fraud, waste, abuse, misconduct, or mismanagement involving the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, please report it to EPA's Office of Inspector General (OIG). Complete the EPA OIG Hotline Complaint Form. Learn more about the EPA's OIG Hotline.

Can EPA fine federal agencies?

EPA has explicit authority to enforce the law and assess fines at federal facilities violating environmental statutes including the: Clean Air Act. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

What are the two types of legal enforcement that the Environmental Protection Agency EPA uses?

When warranted, EPA will take civil or criminal enforcement action against violators of environmental laws. Learn more about our enforcement goals.

Who runs the EPA?

Michael S. ReganAdministrator of the Environmental Protection AgencySeal of the Environmental Protection AgencyIncumbent Michael S. Regan since March 11, 2021Member ofCabinetInaugural holderWilliam D. Ruckelshaus2 more rows

What is an OGC lawyer?

OGC lawyers are given extraordinary responsibility early in their careers. Individual attorneys are often responsible for providing legal advice on environmental programs affecting public health and the environment across the nation. OGC lawyers quickly become highly proficient in particular areas of general or environmental law.

Is there a better place than EPA OGC?

We believe that there is no better place than EPA OGC for attorneys who want to practice public sector general or environmental law! OGC offers both junior and senior lawyers exciting and challenging legal work, and an outstanding opportunity to advance the nation’s environmental policies. For example:

Why is EPA diverse?

We are committed to creating a diverse workforce because we know that the individual strengths and abilities of our employees make us a stronger organization. The more inclusive our employee base is, the greater the variety of ideas that are generated, and the more representative we are of the nation we serve. To learn more about how EPA values and supports our diverse workforce, visit Equal Opportunity Employment at EPA. You can also hear a diverse group of attorneys talk about their careers at EPA on the Legal Careers at EPA Webinar.

What is the Solid Waste and Emergency Response Law Office?

The Solid Waste and Emergency Response Law Office provides legal support for the Agency’s hazardous and solid waste programs and cleanup initiatives, including Superfund, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, land revitalization (brownfields, federal facilities, oil spills, underground storage tanks), and the emergency response program .

What is the Air and Radiation Law Office?

The Air and Radiation Law Office provides legal support for EPA to reduce threats to public health and the environment by cleaning up the nation’s air and dealing with radiation issues.

What is the Civil Rights and Finance Law Office?

The Civil Rights and Finance Law Office provides legal counsel and legal services to EPA offices with respect to civil rights, equal employment opportunities, contracts, claims by and against the Agency, real and personal property, financial assistance awards, interagency agreements, and appropriations law. The Cross-Cutting Issues Law Office ...

Do you have to have a background investigation for a moderate risk position?

These positions generally are designated as a Moderate Risk and require a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, applicants must undergo a background investigation.

Why does the EPA make it so?

In short, the EPA makes it so that our air, water, and lands are clean and free of toxic pollutants. It does this partially through research, and partially through enforcement.

What is the EPA?

The EPA — short for the Environmental Protection Agency — is a government agency in charge of protecting the environment and human health. If you’re a fan of not having to worry (so much) about toxic smog, burning rivers, and acid rain, thank the EPA.

What makes America great?

What makes America great isn’t military might — it’s our leadership and influence on the issues that affect the entire world. President Nixon initiated long-lasting change by instating the EPA. And under President Obama, the United States had been a leader in the global fight against climate change. By joining the Paris Climate Agreement and leading the clean energy revolution, our country showed how serious we were about using our influence for the greater good.

What does Trump talk about when he talks about the need to cut the EPA?

When Trump talks about the need to cut the EPA and roll back environmental regulations, he often talks about the need for more high-paying jobs. But the reality is that it’s not an either/or decision.

What was life like before the EPA?

The Houston Chronicle put together an amazing photo essay that details what life was like before the EPA in a way that’s impossible to put into words. If there is any doubt that environmental protections haven’t had a profound impact on our quality of life, I recommend taking a look back at the 1970s — a time when heavy industrial smog turned day into night in portions of Alabama, public ponds were acidic wastelands, and beach shores were covered in trash and discarded junk.

Is the EPA a government agency?

Because the EPA is a government agency, much of its research and data is public record.

What was the National Environmental Policy Act?

In 1969, President Nixon passed the National Environmental Policy Act, which served as a predecessor to the modern-day EPA. The act set federal policy and required agencies to compile an annual environmental impact statement.

When did the EPA issue the EPA policy?

When EPA issued the policy March 26, the agency said it “did not expect” to seek legal penalties for violations of standard compliance and monitoring rules for federal air and water protections.

Is the EPA facing a legal challenge?

The EPA is facing a legal challenge from Democratic attorneys general over its easing of enforcement during the medical and economic crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does the EPA have a waiver of environmental rules?

“The EPA temporary policy is a lawful and proper exercise of the Agency’s authority under extraordinary circumstances,” Labbe said. “This is not a nationwide waiver of environmental rules.”.

What did the EPA do to help the American public?

The EPA helped mitigate catastrophes like acid rain, leaded gasoline, and DDT. The agency bravely classified secondhand smoke as a known carcinogen in 1993, paving the way for successful litigation against the tobacco industry and an incredible reduction in U.S. smoking rates.

What did the EPA do to help the tobacco industry?

The EPA helped mitigate catastrophes like acid rain, leaded gasoline, and DDT. The agency bravely classified secondhand smoke as a known carcinogen in 1993, paving the way for successful litigation against the tobacco industry and an incredible reduction in U.S. smoking rates.

Who is poised to wipe out environmental safeguards?

President Trump and the Republican-led Congress are poised to wipe out crucial environmental safeguards. Here’s how you can join the fight.

Who believes states should be in charge of their own environmental regulations?

The incoming head of the EPA believes states should be in charge of their own environmental regulations. Been there, done that, got the oil-soaked T-shirt.

Who called for environmental protection?

But there can be little doubt that even Nixon —a Republican to his very bones—understood the need for stiffer environmental regulations. Almost all Republicans of his generation did. In that 1970 State of the Union speech, Nixon called environmental preservation a “common cause of all the people of this country.”.

What was Richard Nixon's role in the creation of the EPA?

Richard Nixon’s role in the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is complicated. It wasn’t his idea, and some believe he founded the EPA with the hope that he could control its administrators. But there can be little doubt that even Nixon—a Republican to his very bones—understood the need for stiffer environmental regulations. Almost all Republicans of his generation did. In that 1970 State of the Union speech, Nixon called environmental preservation a “common cause of all the people of this country.” He went on: “It is a cause of particular concern to young Americans, because they more than we will reap the grim consequences of our failure to act on programs which are needed now if we are to prevent disaster later. Clean air, clean water, open spaces—these should once again be the birthright of every American.”

What did America look like before the Environmental Protection Agency?

Let’s not forget what America looked like before we had the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Our rivers caught on fire, our air was full of smog, and it stank (literally). “Restoring nature to its natural state is a cause beyond party and beyond factions,” said Richard Nixon, the founder of the U.S.

What role do state attorneys general play in protecting workplace rights?

Using their authority to enforce state laws, state attorneys general have played an affirmative role in protecting workplace rights.

What is the California Attorney General's suit against a janitorial cleaning company?

In 2017, the California attorney general filed suit against a janitorial cleaning company for failing to pay workers the minimum wage, underreporting payroll taxes, and providing false payroll information to its workers’ compensation insurance carrier (OAG California 2017).

Who refers labor and employment law cases to their attorneys general?

State labor agencies, through varying arrangements, often refer labor and employment law cases to their attorneys general for enforcement. For example:

How many states have attorneys general?

All 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as Puerto Rico and other territories, have attorneys general. Although 43 of these attorneys general are elected statewide on a partisan basis, the staffs of these offices are generally career and operate in a professional, nonpolitical manner. 2

What did the Illinois Attorney General sue for?

In 2015, the Illinois attorney general sued several employment agencies and restaurants for abusive and exploitative employment practices (OAG Illinois 2015). The attorney general alleged that two restaurants consistently underpaid Latino immigrant workers who were required to work 12- to 14-hour days, six days a week, with no official meal breaks; discriminated against them based on their race and national origin; and housed them in squalid living conditions (OAG Illinois 2015).

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Why Work at OGC?

  • We believe that there is no better place than EPA OGC for attorneys who want to practice public sector general or environmental law! OGC offers both junior and senior lawyers exciting and challenging legal work, and an outstanding opportunity to advance the nation’s environmental policies. For example: 1. OGC lawyers work on novel, cutting-edge leg...
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Paths to OGC Employment

  • OGC currently posts permanent attorney job announcements on USAJobs.gov. OGC currently posts student summer honors law clerkships and student law externships on our webpages linked below. You can also learn more about OGC employment by reviewing our attorney, clerkship, and externship webpages linked here and by checking with your law school careers office.
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Attorney Positions and Fellowships

  • OGC is seeking talented and diverse attorneys with excellent analytical and writing abilities, a strong commitment to public service, effective “people” skills, and an ability to take on significant responsibility. OGC generally posts vacancy announcements for attorney positions on the USAJobs website. View further information on OGC attorney positions.At this time, OGC is n…
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Student Externs and Summer Honors Law Clerks

  • This section provides an overview of these programs, but please see each program’s specific webpage linked below for further information and the necessary details on how to apply. OGC externs and clerks undertake assignments that may include legal research, written memoranda, draft rulemakings, draft pleadings, and counseling Agency program offices and leadership on cu…
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