Environmental Justice Tracker

EJ Tracker Update

EPA Replaced Trump Administration Memo for Fair and Efficient Resolution of Environmental Claims

Last updated:

March 18, 2022

Statute

CAA

Agencies

EPA

Actions

Guidance/Policy

EPA revoked two Trump-era memos that alleged that the practice of “sue and settle” allowed environmental groups to meddle in agency rulemaking. The replacement memo stated that the previous memo “contained inaccurate characterizations of the agency’s settlement practices.” The new memo established steps to enhance public awareness of claims and public review of settlements (including those in environmental justice communities). Transparency actions include posting notices on the website, sending automatic email notifications of new settlement documents, and making proposed settlements available for comment for at least 30 days.