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Environmental Justice and Enforcement

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia enforces federal laws to protect environmental quality and human health in all communities within the district. In coordination with components of the Justice Department, the United States Attorney’s Office will hold polluters accountable for their actions, prioritizing cases that will reduce public health and environmental harms to overburdened and underserved communities.

The district’s Environmental Justice Coordinator will lead efforts to enforce both criminal and civil environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and hazardous waste laws. In addition to litigating cases in federal courtrooms throughout the district, the Coordinator will attend community meetings where environmental issues are discussed and coordinate trainings for prosecutors and investigators. Environmental protection extends to enforcement of federal statutes that provide for the humane treatment of animals across West Virginia, to include captive, farmed, and companion animals. 

Enforcement of the Justice Department’s Strategy relies upon meaningful engagement and transparency with impacted communities regarding environmental justice issues, efforts, and results. The United States Attorney’s Office encourages the public to report suspected environmental violations within the district. Reports may be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency or by email, mail, or phone to the United States Attorney’s Office.

 

United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of West Virginia

Attn: AUSA Erik S. Goes

Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse

300 Virginia Street, East Suite 4000

Charleston, WV 25301

(304) 345-2200 

Email our Environmental Justice Coordinator

Updated December 29, 2023