Originally published in The Advocate, the magazine of the Idaho State Bar (October 2025).
EPA enforcement activity remains an ongoing concern for regulated entities, even amid shifting political priorities. In this article, Stoel Rives attorneys outline how the EPA exercises its inspection and enforcement authority and what businesses can do to prepare.
They discuss key laws that drive environmental compliance — including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act — and explain what to expect during an EPA inspection, from unannounced visits to post-inspection penalty negotiations. The piece also emphasizes the importance of good recordkeeping, cooperation with inspectors, and proactive compliance programs that minimize the risk of costly violations.
Read the full article on the Idaho State Bar’s Digital Advocate Blog.