An ex-Justice Department official from both parties is urging the Senate for the advancement of the nomination former federal prosecutor David UhlmannLead a major office within the Environmental Protection Agency, which fights pollution through legal systems.
The officials were in senior positions under the six previous presidents and have extensive experience in environmental law practice. For law enforcement and public health purposes, a strong partnership between the EPA & the Justice Department is crucial.
The EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance “protects communities from harmful polluting and ensures a level playing field so that law-abiding businesses do not have a competitive edge over unscrupulous polluters.” They wrote in a letter To Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
Uhlmann, who was a federal prosecutor specializing in environmental issues for 17 years, is now a law professor at Michigan and leads the Environmental Crimes Project.
Uhlmann was a Justice prosecutor during his tenure. He tried to prosecute violators of Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
He was the leader of several cases that rose in national prominence, including one that involved West Memphis residents who lived close to a hazardous waste dump for many years. Uhlmann tried another case in Idaho where a 20 year-old suffered permanent brain damage when his company forced him illegally to dispose of cyanide waste.
Uhlmann testified last January that “I have dedicated my career to seeking justice in communities exposed to harmful polluting and ensuring all Americans can breathe clean water and breathe clean air.” “Our nation’s environmental laws offer exceptional tools for improving the lives and fulfilling our obligations as stewards for the environment for future generation,” Uhlmann testified.
In partnership with EPA, the DOJ launched earlier this month. A new office for environmental justice was established. Attorney General Merrick Galrland stated that the unit would prioritise cases that will have the greatest effect on the communities most affected by environmental damage.
The White House Nominated in writingUhlmann to fill the EPA position in June 2021. Advocates want to see the Senate act quickly before it stops midterm election campaigns or turns to other priorities.
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