Originally published in The Advocate, the magazine of the Idaho State Bar (October 2025).

EPA enforcement activity remains an ongoing concern for regulated entities, even amid shifting political priorities. In this article, Stoel Rives attorneys outline how the EPA exercises its inspection and enforcement authority and what businesses can do to prepare.

They discuss key laws that drive environmental compliance — including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act — and explain what to expect during an EPA inspection, from unannounced visits to post-inspection penalty negotiations. The piece also emphasizes the importance of good recordkeeping, cooperation with inspectors, and proactive compliance programs that minimize the risk of costly violations.

Read the full article on the Idaho State Bar’s Digital Advocate Blog.

About Stoel Rives Environmental Law

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Few firms view their Environment, Land Use, and Natural Resources practices as core legal services. Stoel Rives is one of them. The firm ranks #8 in the United States according to Law360’s list of the largest practices of its kind. Our sophisticated compliance counseling, permitting, regulatory development, and litigation practices continue a long tradition of specialization and deep experience. Our environment, land use, and natural resource attorneys incorporate prior agency experience, technical acumen, and industry knowledge into their legal advice. They also build strong relationships with agency officials and industry associations. Our litigation successes include landmark decisions. More than 60 attorneys, paralegals, and compliance analysts comprise Stoel Rives’ nationwide Environment, Land Use & Natural Resources practice.