DOJ Environment and Natural Resources Division

Two corporate entities and a shoreside superintendent face criminal charges in connection with the vessel crash that knocked down the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland. “The indictment alleges criminal conduct that not only destroyed the Key Bridge but brought the regional economy to its knees and claimed the lives of six Maryland residents,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson. “Adherence to laws governing safe operation of commercial vessels is essential to doing business in our nation’s ports. We enforce these laws to protect the public from future disasters like this fatal crash.” Read more: justice.gov/opa/pr/foreign…

Foreign Operators and Technical Superintendent of M/V Dali Indicted for Roles in Key Bridge Crash Indian and Singapore Corporations and Company Official Charged with Conspiring to Defraud the United States and Causing the Death of Six Construction Workers “The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was a preventable tragedy of enormous consequence,” said Acting Attorney General @DAGToddBlanche. “This indictment is a critical step toward holding accountable those whose reckless disregard for maritime safety regulations caused this disaster. Six construction workers lost their lives, critical infrastructure was destroyed, pollutants were released into the Patapsco River and Chesapeake Bay, and the economic damage now exceeds five billion dollars. This Department is committed to securing justice for the victims and ensuring those responsible are held to account.” 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/foreign…

Watch Live Today at 10:00 a.m. ET: Justice Department to Make Significant Announcement in Baltimore Regarding Investigation of Key Bridge Allision Incident youtube.com/live/ds8d1xc3Z…

Louisiana Man Detained on Turtle Trafficking Charges justice.gov/opa/pr/louisia…

“President Trump promised to unleash American energy dominance, and Minnesota officials cannot undermine his directive by mandating that their woke climate preferences become the uniform policy of our Nation.” -Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/justice…

Two Individuals and a Corporation Charged with Conspiring to Violate the Clean Air Act and Illegally Emitting Pollutants in Puerto Rico “The Clean Air Act is a foundational piece of American environmental law, and when its clear guidelines are disregarded, we are committed to enforcing it,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) “Commonsense enforcement actions will help keep our communities healthy.” 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/two-ind…

Puerto Rico Man Pleads Guilty to Clean Water Act Violation in Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve The photographs below depict the property in May 2019 and in March 2022, demonstrating the illegal construction. Read more: justice.gov/opa/pr/puerto-…

Kroger Agrees to Settlement Reducing Ozone-Harming Emissions from Grocery Stores Nationwide Under the proposed consent decree, Kroger will spend an estimated $100 million over the next three years to reduce coolant leaks from refrigerators and other equipment and improve company-wide compliance with rules protecting the Earth’s ozone layer. The company will also pay a $2.5 million civil penalty. “Compliance with the Clean Air Act protects human health,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson. “Fixing leaks of ozone-depleting refrigerants makes a real difference in protecting all Americans from the harmful effects of solar radiation.” 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/kroger-…

Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation to Perform at Least $12 Million in Corrective Measures to Address Contamination at Middletown Works in Ohio “This settlement shows the Administration’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of the public, including workers at the Middletown Works,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson. “The Department of Justice is committed to addressing hazardous waste while ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable and the public is not left with the bill.” 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/clevela…

The Boise Cascade Company (Boise Cascade) pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday for a felony violation of the Lacey Act for its role in a timber trafficking scheme to evade countervailing and anti-dumping duties. Boise Cascade was fined over $6.3 MILLION. 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/boise-c…

Yesterday, the Environment and Natural Resources Division hosted the TIMBER Working Group along side @forestservice, @HSI_HQ, and @USFWS to discuss enforcement & efforts to combat illegal timber trafficking. Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. remarks: justice.gov/opa/speech/ass… Principal Deputy Attorney General Adam Gustafson remarks: justice.gov/opa/speech/pri…

Congrats to ENRD for this incredible result!

Yesterday, the 11th Circuit completely vacated an injunction barring construction or operation of Alligator Alcatraz. The Court’s opinion is a decisive victory in our effort to deliver on President Trump’s immigration agenda. justice.gov/opa/media/1437…

Justice Department Files Clean Water Act Complaint Against DC Water for Potomac Interceptor Failure Sewage Line Collapsed in January 2026 and Released Over 200 Million Gallons of Untreated Sewage into Potomac River 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/justice…

Auto Parts Manufacturer and General Manager Sentenced for Illegal Storage of Hazardous Waste 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/auto-pa…

Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Conspiring to Create and Distribute Animal Crush Videos Showing Violent Torture of Monkeys justice.gov/opa/pr/illinoi…

Justice Department Clears Path for Resolution Copper Project in Arizona, Strengthening U.S. Resource Security 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/justice…

Tennessee Woman Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Create and Distribute Videos Depicting Monkey Torture and Mutilation justice.gov/opa/pr/tenness…

Ford Motor Company and Borough of Ringwood to Perform Final Cleanup Targeting Groundwater at Ringwood Mines/Landfill Site in New Jersey justice.gov/opa/pr/ford-mo…

President Trump’s Justice Department & Transportation Department Sue to Stop California’s Illegal EV Mandate “Oppressive, expensive electric vehicle mandates drive up costs for American consumers and violate federal law,” said @AGPamBondi. “California is using unlawful policies from the last administration to create exorbitant costs for our citizens — this Department of Justice is proud to stand with @POTUS and @SecDuffy to bring litigation that will make life more affordable for American consumers.” 🔗: justice.gov/opa/pr/preside…