09.18.23

Durbin Discusses Enforcement And Compliance Initiatives With EPA Assistant Administrator

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with David Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator forthe Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  During their meeting, Durbin and Assistant Administrator Uhlmann spoke on a range of issues impacting Illinoisans, including holding polluters accountable, regulation of harmful chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and tackling methane emissions and the climate crisis.  As OECA operates as the compliance branch of EPA, Durbin received an update on Assistant Administrator Uhlmann’s efforts to enforce existing EPA rules aimed at protecting Illinois communities from environmental and public health hazards. 

“Protecting our environment from toxic hazards like coal ash and PFAS is a matter of public health.  When polluters flout compliance, the toxins they emit end up in our air, water, and soil and contribute to the accelerating climate crisis,” said Durbin.  “I sat down today with Assistant Administrator Uhlmann to discuss how we can mitigate the harm from environmental hazards and improve the quality of life forIllinois communities.”

A photo of the meeting is available here.

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