**GAO-07-883**                      Published: Jul 31, 2007. Publicly Released: Jul 31, 2007.                  

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## Highlights

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces the nation's environmental laws through its Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA). OECA sets overall enforcement policies and through its 10 regions oversees state agencies authorized to implement environmental programs consistent with federal requirements. GAO was asked to (1) identify trends in federal resources to regions and states for enforcement between 1997 and 2006, and determine regions' and states' views on the adequacy of these resources; (2) determine EPA's progress in improving priority setting and enforcement planning with states; and (3) examine EPA's efforts to improve oversight of states' enforcement programs and identify additional actions EPA could take to ensure more consistent state performance and oversight. GAO examined information from all 10 regions and 10 authorized states, among other things.

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## Topics

Natural Resources and Environment

Environmental lawEnvironmental monitoringFederal aid to localitiesFederal aid to statesFederal regulationsstate relationsGrants to statesLaw enforcementPollution controlProgram managementRegional planningStrategic planningProgram implementationPolicies and procedures