Under Trump, EPA’s enforcement of environmental laws collapses, report finds

According to a recent report, the enforcement of environmental laws by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has significantly declined under the Trump administration. The data shows that the EPA has initiated fewer civil and criminal enforcement cases, levied lower penalties against violators, and conducted fewer inspections compared to previous administrations. The report highlights a concerning trend of the EPA's diminishing role in holding polluters accountable. This shift has led to a reduction in the agency's ability to enforce critical environmental regulations, potentially compromising the protection of public health and the environment. The findings suggest that the EPA's enforcement actions have dropped to their lowest levels in decades, raising questions about the agency's commitment to its core mission of safeguarding the nation's air, water, and land resources. The report underscores the need for policymakers and the public to closely monitor the EPA's enforcement practices and ensure that environmental laws are effectively implemented and enforced.

Feb 7, 2026 → Feb 18, 2026