The Center is an ADR management, coordination, research, and development office. Comm'n on Disp. Ala. Code of Ethics for Mediators. The Ombudsman Office was set up after amendments to the Clean Air Act in 1990. It was set up to help small businesses comply with environmental regulations.
Businesses can call in anonymously and ask questions about environmental compliance.
The Ombudsperson provides them with information on what permits they need to obtain and how to obtain them. Companies that realize they are not in compliance with a certain regulation can call the Ombudsperson, and she will help the businesses figure out how to fix the problem and what steps to take at that point. Companies that call in and report their own noncompliance usually receive a reduced fine or, in some cases, no fine at all. Companies that fail to comply with the regulation and do not cooperate can have their fines multiplied. The General Counsel's office uses consent orders in addition to unilateral enforcement orders.