Nearly one-half of the Division's lawyers bring cases against those who violate the nation's civil and criminal pollution-control laws. Others defend environmental challenges to government programs and activities, and represent the United States in matters concerning the stewardship of the nation's natural resources and public lands.

The Division is also responsible for the acquisition of real property by eminent domain for the federal government, and brings and defends cases under the wildlife protection laws. In addition, the Division litigates cases concerning Indian rights and claims.

Many of the cases handled by the Division are precedent-setting and challenge and hone the skills of the Division's dedicated corps of lawyers. Some of these cases are discussed in the Division's Summaries of Litigation Accomplishments.