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The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/publications/us-epa-issues-guidance-for-temporary-enforcement-discretion-during-covid-19-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has issued guidance</a> in response to the substantial uncertainty and disruption the COVID-19 pandemic has caused regarding compliance with various federal environmental laws, regulations and permit requirements.

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In a memorandum issued March 26, 2020, U.S. EPA set forth the agency’s temporary position to exercise enforcement discretion and not seek penalties for specified categories of environmental noncompliance while emphasizing the need to make best efforts to comply and protect human health and the environment.

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Many state agencies have followed U.S. EPA’s lead in implementing environmental enforcement discretion policies. For ease of reference, we have compiled a chart summarizing the policies of the U.S. EPA and all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C.:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/uploads/1135/doc/COVID19_USEPA_50_State_Enforcement_Guide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 Environmental Enforcement Discretion Policies: U.S. EPA &amp; 50-State Guide</a>.

We will update the chart as necessary to reflect changes in policies. If you would like to receive updated versions of the guide when available, please email <a href="Deborah.Jones@ThompsonHine.com">Debi Jones</a>.

For more information, please&nbsp;contact:

<a href="/professionals/blattner-wray">Wray Blattner</a><br>937.443.6539;&nbsp;<a href="&quot;mailto:Wray.Blattner@ThompsonHine.com&quot;">Wray.Blattner@ThompsonHine.com</a>

<a href="/professionals/hunt-nathan">Nathan C. Hunt</a><br>937.443.6908;&nbsp;<a href="&quot;mailto:Nathan.Hunt@ThompsonHine.com&quot;">Nathan.Hunt@ThompsonHine.com</a>

or any member of our <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/services/environmental" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental practice</a> group.

<em>This guide is not intended as legal advice. Companies should be aware that information related to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and is subject to change.</em>

COVID-19: Environmental Enforcement Discretion Policies

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