In 2025, federal oversight of environmental violations declines significantly, as the US EPA under Trump reports the lowest environmental enforcement levels ever, marking a historic low in federal action against companies that pollute. A report released on February 5 showed that enforcement activity during President Donald Trump’s second term’s first year fell to levels not seen in decades, sparking worries among environmental advocates and public health experts.

Significant Drop in Civil Enforcement Actions

The report from the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) showed that civil enforcement cases fell by 76% compared with President Biden’s first year. The number was also 81% lower than during Trump’s first year and 87% lower than former President Barack Obama’s second term. These numbers show a significant decline in the federal government’s use of the courts to hold companies accountable for violating environmental laws.

The analysis found that the Justice Department filed only 16 civil complaints in federal court on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2025, and this number is significantly down from previous administrations and indicates a significant shift in how environmental laws are enforced at the federal level.

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Fewer Settlements and Legal Outcomes

In addition to the number of complaints filed, the EPA’s judicial case settlements also declined significantly in 2025, showing that settlements fell 64% compared with the Biden administration, 65% compared with Trump’s first term, and 78% compared with Obama’s second term.

Settlements are typically used to resolve violations and include penalties, corrective actions, or environmental cleanup, and fewer settlements suggest fewer cases are being pursued to completion, which could limit accountability for companies accused of illegal air and water pollution. At the same time, the administration has pushed to expedite permitting for projects intended to increase fossil fuel production. Critics say that these actions together weaken oversight and raise the risk of pollution, especially in communities already facing environmental problems.

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Worries About Public Health and Accountability

Environmental advocates warn that reduced enforcement could lead to long-term issues. Jen Duggan, executive director of the Environmental Integrity Project, said that the Trump administration’s actions have put American communities at risk of exposure to illegal air and water pollution. The drop in enforcement occurred alongside larger policy changes under the Trump administration, and the report said the administration has rolled back many environmental rules designed to protect public health and has cut staff at the EPA.

As debate continues over the balance between rules and economics, the US EPA under Trump reports the lowest environmental enforcement, showing a significant shift in federal environmental policy, with effects on public health, regulatory accountability, and environmental protection across the United States.

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