Civil & Criminal Enforcement on the Rise
In an August 12, 2003 press release, the Florida DEP announced statistics confirming that there is a new sheriff in town. Over the last 4 years (ending in June 2003) compared to the previous 4 years, penalties for environmental enforcement rose by $10mm, an increase of 70% from $13m to $23m. In the Northwest District, penalties in the same period jumped by 200% to $4.15m. Statewide Consent Orders, already on the rise during the years 1995-1999, jumped by 1,000 in 1999-2003. Investigations took a huge leap too, increasing by 265% over the previous 4 years.

EPA 2003 Clean Air Excellence Awards
The EPA is accepting entries for the 4th Annual Clean Air Excellence Awards. The awards are open to public and private entities in the following 6 categories: Clean Air Technology, Community Development-Redevelopment, Education Outreach, Regulatory-Policy Innovations, Transportation Efficiency Innovations, and Outstanding Individual Achievement. Award criteria and entry packages are available at the website www.epa.gov/oar/caaac/clean_award.html. Entries are due September 10, 2003. Questions may be directed to Paul Rasmussen at EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation at 202-564-1306 or Rasmussen.paul@epa.gov.