There are three main types of independent agencies: independent executive agencies, independent regulatory commissions, and government corporations.

The Environmental Protection Agency was established in the executive branch as an independent agency pursuant to Reorganization Plan No. The Agency is designed to serve as the public’s advocate for a livable environment.

Environmental Protection Agency

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) addresses several issues, from setting limits on certain air pollutants to enforcing federal clean water and safe drinking laws. For more information, visit EPA: Laws and Regulations.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Department is the primary agency responsible for the conservation, management, development, and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources, specifically forest and grazing lands, mineral resources, including those in reservation and watershed areas, and lands of the public domain, as well as the …

Investigators conduct the EPA OIG’s criminal investigations, which look for violations of the law. Investigations may involve such areas as financial fraud, employee misconduct, intrusion into EPA systems and computers, impersonating EPA officials and theft of EPA property and funds.

You may also submit a complaint anonymously. However, if you do not provide your email address, you will not receive updates on the status of your complaint. Additionally, anonymous complaints may be more difficult to investigate because agency staff will not have a contact to answer questions about the report.

Congress granted the EPA police powers in 1988, but not with SWAT teams in mind. …

If you are seeing an environmental event that may lead to an immediate threat to human health or the environment, call 911, then report it to the National Response Center at: 1-800-424-8802. Choose “No” to continue reporting a possible violation that is not an emergency.

Hotlines and Service Lines for Specific Topics

1. Phone: 800-368-5888 or 202-566-1970 (in DC area)
2. Email: [email protected]
3. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, Closed Federal Holidays.
4. Type of Coverage: A member of the EPA Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman (ASBO) staff will answer calls.

Criminal Actions can occur when EPA or a state enforce against a company or person through a criminal action. Criminal actions are usually reserved for the most serious violations, those that are willful, or knowingly committed. A court conviction can result in fines or imprisonment.

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal and state agencies can impose fines or seek damages from polluters and others under a number of different laws, the environmental laws do not generally provide financial rewards for whistleblowers who report 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.

EPA’s Report an Environmental Violation website provides a way for you to report suspected environmental violations. Assuring compliance with our nation’s environmental laws is one of EPA’s primary commitments.