The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have jointly announced the creation of a regional, cross-agency taskforce focused on environmental crimes in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This new task force signifies a growing trend of legal attention being levied on environmental regulation violations by businesses, a fact of increasing relevance for corporations and law firms alike.
This task force, comprised of officials from the DOJ and EPA, constitutes a concentrated effort by these two agencies to amplify their combined enforcement power over environmental crimes in these territories. By working jointly, the DOJ and EPA will be able to harness massive resources, diverse expertise, and specialized legal insight to curb these infractions, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
The intent behind the strengthening of enforcement ties between the DOJ and EPA is clear: to provide the necessary legal sway to address widespread issues affecting the ecological health of the two territories. Businesses operating in these territories, whether local or international, will need to scrutinize their practices concerning waste management, hazardous substances, and application of the Clean Water Act, among others.
Notably, the DOJ and EPA have stated clear intentions to hold firms and individuals accountable for environmental violations, whether these are conscious acts or negligent practices. This will mean that corporations and firms who fail to meet the stringent, but necessary, legal and ecological standards may face heavy sanctions or litigation.
The DOJ and EPA’s most recent initiative is a clear message to both legal professionals and corporations: environmental protection is a priority, and those who would risk it through illegal actions will face severe legal consequences. Professionals in the field of corporate and environmental law, particularly those involved with operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands should heed the implications of this new task force, and adjust their practices accordingly.
For further details on this development, find the full report from Jones Day here.