On December 5, 2024, EPA announced its enforcement results for fiscal year (FY) 2024, which ended September 30. FY 2024 saw 1,851 civil cases concluded – the highest number since FY 2017; $1.7 billion in penalties, the highest level since FY 2017; 121 criminal defendants charged, the highest since FY 2019; and over 8,500 inspections, an increase of 10% over FY 2023.
Of the $1.7 billion in penalties, the Cummins settlement accounted for 86% of the total.

Emphasis on Overburdened Communities
EPA highlighted its attention to “overburdened communities,” where it conducted 53% of its inspections and concluded 82% of its Superfund enforcement settlements. Of the criminal investigations initiated in FY2024, over 60% involved activities in overburdened communities.

FY 2024 Enforcement Priorities
EPA’s announcement identified its FY 2024 enforcement priorities as 1) climate change, 2) the forever-chemicals per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); 3) contamination from coal ash facilities; 4) air toxics; 5) safe drinking water; and 6) preventing chemical accidents.

To see EPA’s news release, which has a link to see more details of its FY 2024 enforcement results https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epas-annual-enforcement-and-compliance-assurance-results-include-strongest-outcomes