Biden Administration’s EPA Announces First Ever Arrest Related To ‘Climate Crimes’
The United States has entered a new phase of enforcement with the first arrest for so-called “climate crimes.”
According to a report from President Joe Biden’s administration, enforcement of climate-related penalties in 2024 included an unprecedented arrest, Fox News reported.
“The EPA worked to implement the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which requires the agency to reduce hydrofluorocarbons, a synthetic compound commonly used for refrigeration or air conditioning, by 85% by 2036,” the report stated.
As part of this initiative, Michael Hart of San Diego was arrested in March on charges of “smuggling potent greenhouse gases.” The EPA highlighted this case in its report, marking it as the first arrest tied to greenhouse gas violations under the AIM Act. However, the agency warned in a press release that “it will not be the last.”
The EPA also achieved its highest penalty total since 2017, surpassing $1.7 billion.
The report detailed the agency’s 2024 enforcement actions, which included concluding 1,851 civil cases, charging 121 criminal defendants, and achieving more than 225 million pounds of “pollution reductions” in “overburdened communities.” Additionally, there are approximately 480 ongoing criminal investigations related to environmental programs.
Compared to 2023, the agency reported a 3.4% rise in civil cases and a 17.6% increase in criminal charges. The implementation of EPA national priorities also resulted in a “12% increase in criminal leads opened because of referrals from EPA Headquarters and regional offices,” the report noted.
“In Fiscal Year 2024, EPA’s enforcement and compliance assurance program produced its strongest results since 2017, focusing on efforts to combat climate change and tackling some of the nation’s most significant environmental threats to our shared air, water, and land,” said David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “The progress made under the Biden-Harris Administration has sent a clear signal that polluters will be held accountable and that protecting communities from harm is a top priority.”
However, President-elect Donald Trump has already taken steps to roll back key aspects of the Biden administration’s climate policies. In November, Trump announced former New York GOP Representative Lee Zeldin as his pick for EPA Administrator, The New York Post reported.
Zeldin, a former U.S. Representative for New York’s 1st congressional district and a military veteran, is known for his conservative positions. In 2022, he mounted a competitive campaign against New York Governor Kathy Hochul as the GOP nominee.
“I am deeply honored to have been asked by President Trump to serve in his Cabinet. As EPA Administrator, we will restore American energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, make the United States the global leader of Artificial Intelligence advancement, and slash the red tape holding back American workers from upward economic mobility,” Zeldin said in a statement.
“We will accomplish all this while conserving our environment, protecting access to clean air and water, and keeping the American people healthy. I look forward to contributing to President Trump’s agenda to build a more prosperous future for our nation,” he concluded.
Trump also praised Zeldin’s appointment, stating, “Lee, with a very strong legal background, has been a true fighter for America First policies. He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.”