The level of enforcement against polluters in the United States significantly decreased during President Donald Trump’s second year in office. A new report from a watchdog group highlights that this drop was even more dramatic than during his first year. The Environmental Integrity Project analyzed federal court and administrative data to track changes in enforcement actions.

Drop in Civil Lawsuits Filed by the EPA

The report reveals that the number of civil lawsuits filed by the Department of Justice in cases referred by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fell to just 16 in the first year of Trump’s second term. This represents a 76 percent decline compared to the same period under President Joe Biden, who saw a much higher level of enforcement activity.

During Trump’s first year in office, the DOJ filed 86 such cases, which was already a decrease from the 127 cases filed during the Obama administration’s first year. The sharp decline indicates a substantial reduction in federal efforts to hold polluters accountable during Trump’s tenure.

Comparison With Previous Administrations

The data shows a clear downward trend in enforcement actions over the past few administrations. Under Obama, enforcement was more active, with over 125 cases filed in the first year, emphasizing a commitment to environmental laws. Trump’s administration, however, appears to have scaled back these efforts significantly, with fewer cases brought to court.

The decline in enforcement actions has raised concerns among environmental advocates and watchdog groups, who argue that weaker enforcement could lead to increased pollution and environmental degradation. This shift reflects broader changes in EPA policies and priorities during Trump’s presidency.

Implications for Environmental Protections

The reduction in enforcement cases could have long-term impacts on environmental protections in the U.S. Fewer lawsuits mean less oversight and fewer penalties for companies that violate environmental laws. Critics worry that this trend may embolden polluters and undermine decades of progress in environmental regulation.

While the decrease in enforcement activity is notable, supporters of Trump’s policies argue that the administration prioritized reducing regulatory burdens on businesses. Nevertheless, environmental groups stress that strong enforcement is essential to ensuring compliance and protecting public health.

Overall, the report underscores a significant shift in federal environmental enforcement efforts during Trump’s second year, with a marked decline in legal actions against polluters. The long-term consequences of this trend remain to be seen, but it signals a notable change in the approach to environmental law enforcement in the United States.

Inspired by

• https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/02/under-trump-epas-enforcement-of-environmental-laws-collapses-report-finds/

Sources

• environmentalintegrity.org
• peer.org
• earthjustice.org
• insideclimatenews.org
• insideclimatenews.org