WASHINGTON — A new study from Washington State University reveals that the federal government tends to bring its toughest environmental criminal cases in wealthier counties, rather than in the most polluted ones.
Researchers examined more than 700 EPA criminal prosecutions from 2011 to 2020. They discovered that enforcement actions occurred more frequently in counties with higher income and education levels.
The study found no link between enforcement and actual pollution levels.
Erik Johnson, a co-author of the paper and a professor in WSU’s Department of Sociology, explained the findings. “The more educated and wealthy the county is — the more likely the government is to enforce environmental regulations,” said Johnson.
Researchers also noted that organizational factors, such as distance from enforcement offices, may influence where cases are filed.
