Cynthia Giles, the former assistant administrator for the E.P.A.’s enforcement office during the Obama administration, had compiled a similar enforcement database that she shared with The Times. The agency generally measures cases that have been closed in the past year, rather than cases filed. In judicial cases, the Justice Department pursues legal action against polluters on behalf of the E.P.A. These can result in large fines and injunctive relief, which is the cost of making changes to prevent further violations. In comparing the fines and injunctive relief totals, the totals for 2001 and 2009 were adjusted for inflation.

Source: New York Times December 10, 2017 15:11 UTC