US Environmental Enforcement Hits Record Low as EPA Shifts Gears Under Trump

Federal enforcement against polluting companies in the United States fell to a historic low in 2025, the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, raising concerns about public health and environmental oversight.

According to a report by the Environmental Integrity Project, the Justice Department filed just 16 civil complaints on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency last year. That represents a 76% drop compared with the first year of the Biden administration, an 81% decline from Trump’s first term, and an 87% fall from the start of Barack Obama’s second term. The number of cases settled in court also plunged, down more than 60% from recent administrations.

The sharp decline comes as the Trump administration has rolled back numerous environmental regulations, reduced staffing at the EPA, and pushed to accelerate permitting for fossil fuel and infrastructure projects. Critics argue these shifts have weakened deterrence for illegal pollution.

“The actions that the current Trump administration have taken have really put American communities at risk for exposure to illegal air and water pollution,” said Jen Duggan, executive director of the Environmental Integrity Project.

Supporters of the administration say reduced enforcement reflects a focus on regulatory reform and economic growth. Environmental groups, however, warn that fewer court actions could translate into higher pollution levels and greater risks to public health, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Reduced federal enforcement doesn't reduce environmental risk - it just shifts where the risk surfaces, into state AGs, private litigation, EU-linked disclosure obligations and ISSB adoption pressure. Our ESG-strategy and sustainability-due-diligence teams help US corporates avoid the trap of dismantling compliance infrastructure during federal-rollback cycles only to rebuild it when the next administration reverses course.