AGENCY:
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION:
Final rule.
SUMMARY:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is promulgating this final rule to adjust the level of the maximum (and minimum) statutory civil monetary penalty amounts under the statutes the EPA administers. This action is mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended through the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (“the 2015 Act”). The 2015 Act prescribes a formula for annually adjusting the statutory maximum (and minimum) amount of civil penalties to reflect inflation, maintain the deterrent effect of statutory civil penalties, and promote compliance with the law. The rule does not necessarily revise the penalty amounts that the EPA chooses to seek pursuant to its civil penalty policies in a particular case. The EPA's civil penalty policies, which guide enforcement personnel on how to exercise the EPA's statutory penalty authorities, take into account a number of fact-specific considerations, e.g., the seriousness of the violation, the violator's good faith efforts to comply, any economic benefit gained by the violator as a result of its noncompliance, and a violator's ability to pay.
DATES:
This final rule is effective January 13, 2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Smith-Watts, Office of Civil Enforcement, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, Mail Code 2241A, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460, telephone number: (202) 564-4083; smith-watts.david@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
Since 1996, Federal agencies have been required to issue regulations adjusting for inflation the statutory civil penalties [1] that can be imposed under the laws administered by that agency. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA), required agencies to review their statutory civil penalties every 4 years, and to adjust the statutory civil penalty amounts for inflation if the increase met the DCIA's adjustment methodology. In accordance with the DCIA, the EPA reviewed and, as appropriate, adjusted the civil penalty levels under each of the statutes the agency implements in 1996 (61 FR 69360), 2004 (69 FR 7121), 2008 (73 FR 75340), and 2013 (78 FR 66643).
The 2015 Act [2] required each Federal agency to adjust the level of statutory civil penalties under the laws implemented by that agency with an initial “catch-up” adjustment through an interim final rulemaking. The 2015 Act also required Federal agencies, beginning on January 15, 2017, to make subsequent annual adjustments for inflation. Section 4 of the 2015 Act requires each Federal agency to publish these annual adjustments by January 15 of each year. The purpose of the 2015 Act is to maintain the deterrent effect of civil penalties by translating originally enacted statutory civil penalty amounts to today's dollars and rounding statutory civil penalties to the nearest dollar.
As required by the 2015 Act, the EPA issued a catch-up rule on July 1, 2016, which was effective August 1, 2016 (81 FR 43091). The EPA made its first annual adjustment on January 12, 2017, which was effective on January 15, 2017 (82 FR 3633). The EPA made its second annual adjustment on January 10, 2018, which was effective on January 15, 2018 (83 FR 1190). The EPA made its third annual adjustment on February 6, 2019 (84 FR 2056) and issued a subsequent correction on February 25, 2019 (84 FR 5955). This rule implements the fourth annual adjustment mandated by the 2015 Act.
The 2015 Act provides a formula for calculating the adjustments. Each statutory maximum and minimum [3] civil monetary penalty as currently adjusted is multiplied by the cost-of-living adjustment multiplier, which is the percentage by which the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the month of October 2019 exceeds the CPI-U for the month of October 2018.[4]
With this rule, the new statutory maximum and minimum penalty levels listed in the third column of Table 1 of 40 CFR 19.4 will apply to all civil penalties assessed on or after January 13, 2020, for violations that occurred after November 2, 2015, the date the 2015 Act was enacted. The former maximum and minimum statutory civil penalty levels, which are in the fourth column of Table 1 to 40 CFR 19.4, will now apply only to violations that occurred after November 2, 2015, where the penalties were assessed on or after February 6, 2019, but before January 13, 2020. The statutory civil penalty levels that apply to violations that occurred on or before November 2, 2015, are codified at Table 2 to 40 CFR 19.4.[5] The fifth column of Table 1 and the seventh column of Table 2 display the statutory civil penalty levels as originally enacted.
The formula for determining the cost-of-living or inflation adjustment to statutory civil penalties consists of the following steps:
Step 1: The cost-of-living adjustment multiplier for 2020 is the percentage by which the CPI-U of October 2019 (257.346) exceeds the CPI-U for the month of October 2018 (252.885), which is 1.01764.[6] Multiply 1.01764 by the current penalty amount. This is the raw adjusted penalty value.
Step 2: Round the raw adjusted penalty value. Section 5 of the 2015 Act states that any adjustment shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $1. The result is the final penalty value for the year.
II. The 2015 Act Requires Federal Agencies To Publish Annual Penalty Inflation Adjustments Notwithstanding Section 553 of the Administrative Procedures Act
Pursuant to section 4 of the 2015 Act, each Federal agency is required to publish annual adjustments no later than January 15 each year. In accordance with section 553 of the Administrative Procedures Act (APA), most rules are subject to notice and comment and are effective no earlier than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. However, Section 4(b)(2) of the 2015 Act provides that each agency shall make the annual inflation adjustments “notwithstanding section 553” of the APA. Consistent with the language of the 2015 Act, this rule is not subject to notice and an opportunity for public comment and will be effective on January 13, 2020.
III. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
Additional information about these statutes and Executive orders can be found at https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/laws-and-executive-orders.
A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review
This action is not a significant regulatory action and was therefore not submitted to OMB for review.
B. Executive Order 13771: Reducing Regulations and Controlling Regulatory Costs
This action is not an Executive Order 13771 regulatory action because this action is not significant under Executive Order 12866.
C. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
This action does not impose an information collection burden under the PRA. This rule merely increases the level of statutory civil penalties that can be imposed in the context of a Federal civil administrative enforcement action or civil judicial case for violations of EPA-administered statutes and their implementing regulations.
D. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
This action is not subject to the RFA. The RFA applies only to rules subject to notice and comment rulemaking requirements under the APA, 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other statute. Because the 2015 Act directs Federal agencies to publish this rule notwithstanding section 553 of the APA, this rule is not subject to notice and comment requirements or the RFA.
E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
This action does not contain any unfunded mandate as described in UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, and does not significantly or uniquely affect small governments. This action is required by the 2015 Act, without the exercise of any policy discretion by the EPA. This action also imposes no enforceable duty on any state, local or tribal governments or the private sector. Because the calculation of any increase is formula-driven pursuant to the 2015 Act, the EPA has no policy discretion to vary the amount of the adjustment.
F. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have a substantial direct effect on the states, on the relationship between the National Government and the states, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
G. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments
This action does not have tribal implications as specified in Executive Order 13175.
This rule merely reconciles the real value of current statutory civil penalty levels to reflect and keep pace with the levels originally set by Congress when the statutes were enacted. The calculation of the increases is formula-driven and prescribed by statute, and the EPA has no discretion to vary the amount of the adjustment to reflect any views or suggestions provided by commenters. Accordingly, this rule will not have a substantial direct effect on tribal governments, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
Thus, Executive Order 13175 does not apply to this action.
H. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks
The EPA interprets Executive Order 13045 as applying only to those regulatory actions that concern environmental health or safety risks that the EPA has reason to believe may disproportionately affect children, per the definition of “covered regulatory action” in section 2-202 of the Executive order. This action is not subject to Executive Order 13045 because it does not concern an environmental health risk or safety risk.
I. Executive Order 13211: Actions That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211, because it is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.
J. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA)
The rulemaking does not involve technical standards.
K. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations
The EPA believes that this action is not subject to Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994) because it does not establish an environmental health or safety standard. Rather, this action is mandated by the 2015 Act, which prescribes a formula for adjusting statutory civil penalties on an annual basis to reflect inflation.
L. Congressional Review Act (CRA)
This action is subject to the CRA, and the EPA will submit a rule report to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. The CRA allows the issuing agency to make a rule effective sooner than otherwise provided by the CRA if the agency makes a good cause finding that notice and comment rulemaking procedures are impracticable, unnecessary or contrary to the public interest (5 U.S.C. 808(2)). The EPA finds that the APA's notice and comment rulemaking procedures are unnecessary because the 2015 Act directs Federal agencies to publish their annual penalty inflation adjustments “notwithstanding section 553 [of the APA].”
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 19
- Environmental protection
- Administrative practice and procedure
- Penalties
Dated: December 19, 2019.
Andrew R. Wheeler,
Administrator.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, the EPA amends title 40, chapter I, part 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:
PART 19—ADJUSTMENT OF CIVIL MONETARY PENALTIES FOR INFLATION
1. The authority citation for part 19 continues to read as follows:
2. Revise § 19.2 to read as follows:
(a) The statutory civil penalty levels set forth in the third column of Table 1 of § 19.4 apply to all violations which occur or occurred after November 2, 2015, where the penalties are assessed on or after January 13, 2020. The statutory civil penalty levels set forth in the fourth column of Table 1 of § 19.4 apply to all violations which occurred after November 2, 2015, where the penalties were assessed on or after February 6, 2019 but before January 13, 2020.
(b) The statutory penalty levels in the third column of Table 2 to § 19.4 apply to all violations which occurred after December 6, 2013 through November 2, 2015, and to violations occurring after November 2, 2015, where penalties were assessed before August 1, 2016. The statutory civil penalty levels set forth in the fourth column of Table 2 of § 19.4 apply to all violations which occurred after January 12, 2009 through December 6, 2013. The statutory civil penalty levels set forth in the fifth column of Table 2 of § 19.4 apply to all violations which occurred after March 15, 2004 through January 12, 2009. The statutory civil penalty levels set forth in the sixth column of Table 2 of § 19.4 apply to all violations which occurred after January 30, 1997 through March 15, 2004.
3. Revise § 19.4 to read as follows:
Table 1 of this section sets out the statutory civil penalty provisions of statutes administered by the EPA, with the third column setting out the latest operative statutory civil penalty levels for violations that occur or occurred after November 2, 2015, where penalties are assessed on or after January 13, 2020. The fourth column displays the operative statutory civil penalty levels where penalties were assessed on or after February 6, 2019, but before January 13, 2020. Table 2 of this section sets out the statutory civil penalty provision of statutes administered by the EPA, with the operative statutory civil penalty levels, as adjusted for inflation, for violations that occurred on or before November 2, 2015, and for violations that occurred after November 2, 2015, where penalties were assessed before August 1, 2016.
| U.S. Code citation | Environmental statute | Statutory civil penalties for violations that occurred after November 2, 2015, where penalties are assessed on or after January 13, 2020 | Statutory civil penalties for violations that occurred after November 2, 2015, where penalties were assessed on or after February 6, 2019 but before January 13, 2020 | Statutory civil penalties, as enacted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 U.S.C. 136 l (a)(1) | FEDERAL INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE, AND RODENTICIDE ACT (FIFRA) | $20,288 | $19,936 | $5,000 |
| 7 U.S.C. 136 l (a)(2) 1 | FIFRA | 2,976/1,917/2,976 | 2,924/1,884/2,924 | 1,000/500/1,000 |
| 15 U.S.C. 2615(a)(1) | TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT (TSCA) | 40,576 | 39,873 | 25,000 |
| 15 U.S.C. 2647(a) | TSCA | 11,665 | 11,463 | 5,000 |
| 15 U.S.C. 2647(g) | TSCA | 9,639 | 9,472 | 5,000 |
| 31 U.S.C. 3802(a)(1) | PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES ACT (PFCRA) | 11,665 | 11,463 | 5,000 |
| 31 U.S.C. 3802(a)(2) | PFCRA | 11,665 | 11,463 | 5,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1319(d) | CLEAN WATER ACT (CWA) | 55,800 | 54,833 | 25,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1319(g)(2)(A) | CWA | 22,320/55,800 | 21,933/54,833 | 10,000/25,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1319(g)(2)(B) | CWA | 22,320/278,995 | 21,933/274,159 | 10,000/125,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(i) | CWA | 19,277/48,192 | 18,943/47,357 | 10,000/25,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(ii) | CWA | 19,277/240,960 | 18,943/236,783 | 10,000/125,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(A) | CWA | 48,192/1,928 | 47,357/1,895 | 25,000/1,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(B) | CWA | 48,192 | 47,357 | 25,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(C) | CWA | 48,192 | 47,357 | 25,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(D) | CWA | 192,768/5,783 | 189,427/5,683 | 100,000/3,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1414b(d)(1) | MARINE PROTECTION, RESEARCH, AND SANCTUARIES ACT (MPRSA) | 1,284 | 1,262 | 600 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1415(a) | MPRSA | 202,878/267,621 | 199,361/262,982 | 50,000/125,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1901 note (see 1409(a)(2)(A)) | CERTAIN ALASKAN CRUISE SHIP OPERATIONS (CACSO) | 14,791/36,975 | 14,535/36,334 | 10,000/25,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1901 note (see 1409(a)(2)(B)) | CACSO | 14,791/184,874 | 14,535/181,669 | 10,000/125,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1901 note (see 1409(b)(1)) | CACSO | 36,975 | 36,334 | 25,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1908(b)(1) | ACT TO PREVENT POLLUTION FROM SHIPS (APPS) | 75,867 | 74,552 | 25,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1908(b)(2) | APPS | 15,173 | 14,910 | 5,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300g-3(b) | SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT (SDWA) | 58,328 | 57,317 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300g-3(g)(3)(A) | SDWA | 58,328 | 57,317 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300g-3(g)(3)(B) | SDWA | 11,665/40,640 | 11,463/39,936 | 5,000/25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300g-3(g)(3)(C) | SDWA | 40,640 | 39,936 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300h-2(b)(1) | SDWA | 58,328 | 57,317 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300h-2(c)(1) | SDWA | 23,331/291,641 | 22,927/286,586 | 10,000/125,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300h-2(c)(2) | SDWA | 11,665/291,641 | 11,463/286,586 | 5,000/125,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300h-3(c) | SDWA | 20,288/43,280 | 19,936/42,530 | 5,000/10,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300i(b) | SDWA | 24,386 | 23,963 | 15,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300i-1(c) | SDWA | 141,943/1,419,442 | 139,483/1,394,837 | 100,000/1,000,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300j(e)(2) | SDWA | 10,143 | 9,967 | 2,500 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300j-4(c) | SDWA | 58,328 | 57,317 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300j-6(b)(2) | SDWA | 40,640 | 39,936 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300j-23(d) | SDWA | 10,705/107,050 | 10,519/105,194 | 5,000/50,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 4852d(b)(5) | RESIDENTIAL LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARD REDUCTION ACT OF 1992 | 18,149 | 17,834 | 10,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 4910(a)(2) | NOISE CONTROL ACT OF 1972 | 38,352 | 37,687 | 10,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6928(a)(3) | RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY ACT (RCRA) | 101,439 | 99,681 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6928(c) | RCRA | 61,098 | 60,039 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6928(g) | RCRA | 75,867 | 74,552 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6928(h)(2) | RCRA | 61,098 | 60,039 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6934(e) | RCRA | 15,173 | 14,910 | 5,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6973(b) | RCRA | 15,173 | 14,910 | 5,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6991e(a)(3) | RCRA | 61,098 | 60,039 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6991e(d)(1) | RCRA | 24,441 | 24,017 | 10,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6991e(d)(2) | RCRA | 24,441 | 24,017 | 10,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 7413(b) | CLEAN AIR ACT (CAA) | 101,439 | 99,681 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 7413(d)(1) | CAA | 48,192/385,535 | 47,357/378,852 | 25,000/200,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 7413(d)(3) | CAA | 9,639 | 9,472 | 5,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 7524(a) | CAA | 48,192/4,819 | 47,357/4,735 | 25,000/2,500 |
| 42 U.S.C. 7524(c)(1) | CAA | 385,535 | 378,852 | 200,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 7545(d)(1) | CAA | 48,192 | 47,357 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 9604(e)(5)(B) | COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT (CERCLA) | 58,328 | 57,317 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 9606(b)(1) | CERCLA | 58,328 | 57,317 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 9609(a)(1) | CERCLA | 58,328 | 57,317 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 9609(b) | CERCLA | 58,328/174,985 | 57,317/171,952 | 25,000/75,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 9609(c) | CERCLA | 58,328/174,985 | 57,317/171,952 | 25,000/75,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 11045(a) | EMERGENCY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO-KNOW ACT (EPCRA) | 58,328 | 57,317 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 11045(b)(1)(A) | EPCRA | 58,328 | 57,317 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 11045(b)(2) | EPCRA | 58,328/174,985 | 57,317/171,952 | 25,000/75,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 11045(b)(3) | EPCRA | 58,328/174,985 | 57,317/171,952 | 25,000/75,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 11045(c)(1) | EPCRA | 58,328 | 57,317 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 11045(c)(2) | EPCRA | 23,331 | 22,927 | 10,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 11045(d)(1) | EPCRA | 58,328 | 57,317 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 14304(a)(1) | MERCURY-CONTAINING AND RECHARGEABLE BATTERY MANAGEMENT ACT (BATTERY ACT) | 16,258 | 15,976 | 10,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 14304(g) | BATTERY ACT | 16,258 | 15,976 | 10,000 |
| 1 Note that 7 U.S.C. 136 l (a)(2) contains three separate statutory maximum civil penalty provisions. The first mention of $1,000 and the $500 statutory maximum civil penalty amount were originally enacted in 1978 (Pub. L. 95-396), and the second mention of $1,000 was enacted in 1972 (Pub. L. 92-516). | ||||
| U.S. Code citation | Environmental statute | Statutory civil penalties for violations after December 6, 2013 through November 2, 2015, or assessed before August 1, 2016 | Statutory civil penalties for violations after January 12, 2009 through December 6, 2013 | Statutory civil penalties for violations after March 15, 2004 through January 12, 2009 | Statutory civil penalties for violations after January 30, 1997 through March 15, 2004 | Statutory civil penalties, as enacted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 U.S.C. 136 l (a)(1) | FEDERAL INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE, AND RODENTICIDE ACT (FIFRA) | $7,500 | $7,500 | $6,500 | $5,500 | $5,000 |
| 7 U.S.C. 136 l (a)(2) | FIFRA | 750/1,100 | 750/1,100 | 650/1,100 | 550/1,000 | 500/1,000 |
| 15 U.S.C. 2615(a)(1) | TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT (TSCA) | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 15 U.S.C. 2647(a) | TSCA | 7,500 | 7,500 | 6,500 | 5,500 | 5,000 |
| 15 U.S.C. 2647(g) | TSCA | 7,500 | 7,500 | 5,500 | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| 31 U.S.C. 3802(a)(1) | PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES ACT (PFCRA) | 7,500 | 7,500 | 6,500 | 5,500 | 5,000 |
| 31 U.S.C. 3802(a)(2) | PFCRA | 7,500 | 7,500 | 6,500 | 5,500 | 5,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1319(d) | CLEAN WATER ACT (CWA) | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1319(g)(2)(A) | CWA | 16,000/37,500 | 16,000/37,500 | 11,000/32,500 | 11,000/27,500 | 10,000/25,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1319(g)(2)(B) | CWA | 16,000/187,500 | 16,000/177,500 | 11,000/157,500 | 11,000/137,500 | 10,000/125,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(i) | CWA | 16,000/37,500 | 16,000/37,500 | 11,000/32,500 | 11,000/27,500 | 10,000/25,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(6)(B)(ii) | CWA | 16,000/187,500 | 16,000/177,500 | 11,000/157,500 | 11,000/137,500 | 10,000/125,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(A) | CWA | 37,500/2,100 | 37,500/1,100 | 32,500/1,100 | 27,500/1,100 | 25,000/1,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(B) | CWA | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(C) | CWA | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(D) | CWA | 150,000/5,300 | 140,000/4,300 | 130,000/4,300 | 110,000/3,300 | 100,000/3,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1414b(d)(1) 1 | MARINE PROTECTION, RESEARCH, AND SANCTUARIES ACT (MPRSA) | 860 | 860 | 760 | 660 | 600 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1415(a) | MPRSA | 75,000/187,500 | 70,000/177,500 | 65,000/157,500 | 55,000/137,500 | 50,000/125,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1901 note (see 1409(a)(2)(A)) | CERTAIN ALASKAN CRUISE SHIP OPERATIONS (CACSO) | 11,000/27,500 | 11,000/27,500 | 10,000/25,000 | 10,000/2 25,000 | 10,000/25,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1901 note (see 1409(a)(2)(B)) | CACSO | 11,000/147,500 | 11,000/137,500 | 10,000/125,000 | 10,000/125,000 | 10,000/125,000 |
| 33 U.S.C. 1901 note (see 1409(b)(1)) | CACSO | 27,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300g-3(b) | SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT (SDWA) | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300g-3(g)(3)(A) | SDWA | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300g-3(g)(3)(B) | SDWA | 7,000/32,500 | 7,000/32,500 | 6,000/27,500 | 5,000/25,000 | 5,000/25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300g-3(g)(3)(C) | SDWA | 32,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300h-2(b)(1) | SDWA | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300h-2(c)(1) | SDWA | 16,000/187,500 | 16,000/177,500 | 11,000/157,500 | 11,000/137,500 | 10,000/125,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300h-2(c)(2) | SDWA | 7,500/187,500 | 7,500/177,500 | 6,500/157,500 | 5,500/137,500 | 5,000/125,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300h-3(c) | SDWA | 7,500/16,000 | 7,500/16,000 | 6,500/11,000 | 5,500/11,000 | 5,000/10,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300i(b) | SDWA | 21,500 | 16,500 | 16,500 | 15,000 | 15,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300i-1(c) | SDWA | 120,000/1,150,000 | 110,000/1,100,000 | 100,000/1,000,000 | 22,000/3 55,000 | 20,000/50,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300j(e)(2) | SDWA | 3,750 | 3,750 | 2,750 | 2,750 | 2,500 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300j-4(c) | SDWA | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300j-6(b)(2) | SDWA | 32,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 300j-23(d) | SDWA | 7,500/75,000 | 7,500/70,000 | 6,500/65,000 | 5,500/55,000 | 5,000/50,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 4852d(b)(5) | RESIDENTIAL LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARD REDUCTION ACT OF 1992 | 16,000 | 16,000 | 11,000 | 11,000 | 10,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 4910(a)(2) | NOISE CONTROL ACT OF 1972 | 16,000 | 16,000 | 11,000 | 11,000 | 10,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6928(a)(3) | RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY ACT (RCRA) | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6928(c) | RCRA | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6928(g) | RCRA | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6928(h)(2) | RCRA | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6934(e) | RCRA | 7,500 | 7,500 | 6,500 | 5,500 | 5,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6973(b) | RCRA | 7,500 | 7,500 | 6,500 | 5,500 | 5,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6991e(a)(3) | RCRA | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6991e(d)(1) | RCRA | 16,000 | 16,000 | 11,000 | 11,000 | 10,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 6991e(d)(2) | RCRA | 16,000 | 16,000 | 11,000 | 11,000 | 10,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 7413(b) | CLEAN AIR ACT (CAA) | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 7413(d)(1) | CAA | 37,500/320,000 | 37,500/295,000 | 32,500/270,000 | 27,500/220,000 | 25,000/200,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 7413(d)(3) | CAA | 7,500 | 7,500 | 6,500 | 5,500 | 5,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 7524(a) | CAA | 3,750/37,500 | 3,750/37,500 | 2,750/32,500 | 2,750/27,500 | 2,500/25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 7524(c)(1) | CAA | 320,000 | 295,000 | 270,000 | 220,000 | 200,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 7545(d)(1) | CAA | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 9604(e)(5)(B) | COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT (CERCLA) | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 9606(b)(1) | CERCLA | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 9609(a)(1) | CERCLA | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 9609(b) | CERCLA | 37,500/117,500 | 37,500/107,500 | 32,500/97,500 | 27,500/82,500 | 25,000/75,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 9609(c) | CERCLA | 37,500/117,500 | 37,500/107,500 | 32,500/97,500 | 27,500/82,500 | 25,000/75,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 11045(a) | EMERGENCY PLANNING AND COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO-KNOW ACT (EPCRA) | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 11045(b)(1)(A) 4 | EPCRA | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 11045(b)(2) | EPCRA | 37,500/117,500 | 37,500/107,500 | 32,500/97,500 | 27,500/82,500 | 25,000/75,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 11045(b)(3) | EPCRA | 37,500/117,500 | 37,500/107,500 | 32,500/97,500 | 27,500/82,500 | 25,000/75,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 11045(c)(1) | EPCRA | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 11045(c)(2) | EPCRA | 16,000 | 16,000 | 11,000 | 11,000 | 10,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 11045(d)(1) | EPCRA | 37,500 | 37,500 | 32,500 | 27,500 | 25,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 14304(a)(1) | MERCURY-CONTAINING AND RECHARGEABLE BATTERY MANAGEMENT ACT (BATTERY ACT) | 16,000 | 16,000 | 11,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| 42 U.S.C. 14304(g) | BATTERY ACT | 16,000 | 16,000 | 11,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| 1 Note that 33 U.S.C. 1414b (d)(1)(B) contains additional penalty escalation provisions that must be applied to the penalty amounts set forth in this Table 2. The amounts set forth in this Table 2 reflect an inflation adjustment to the calendar year 1992 penalty amount expressed in section 104B(d)(1)(A), which is used to calculate the applicable penalty amount under MPRSA section 104B(d)(1)(B) for violations that occur in any subsequent calendar year. | ||||||
| 2 CACSO was passed on December 21, 2000 as part of Title XIV of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001, Public Law 106-554, 33 U.S.C. 1901 note. | ||||||
| 3 The original statutory penalty amounts of $20,000 and $50,000 under section 1432(c) of the SDWA, 42 U.S.C. 300i-1(c), were subsequently increased by Congress pursuant to section 403 of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, Public Law 107-188 (June 12, 2002), to $100,000 and $1,000,000, respectively. The EPA did not adjust these new penalty amounts in its 2004 Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustment Rule (“2004 Rule”), published on February 13, 2004, because they had gone into effect less than two years prior to the 2004 Rule. | ||||||
| 4 Consistent with how the EPA's other penalty authorities are displayed under this section, this Table 2 now delineates, on a subpart-by-subpart basis, the penalty authorities enumerated under section 325(b) of EPCRA, 42 U.S.C. 11045(b) (i.e., 42 U.S.C. 11045(b)(1)(A), (b)(2), and (b)(3)). | ||||||
Footnotes
1. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, Public Law 101-410, 28 U.S.C. 2461 note, defines “civil monetary penalty” as any penalty, fine, or other sanction that—(1)(i) is for a specific monetary amount as provided by Federal law; or (ii) has a maximum amount provided for by Federal law; and (2) is assessed or enforced by an agency pursuant to Federal law; and (3) is assessed or enforced pursuant to an administrative proceeding or a civil action in the Federal courts.
Back to Citation2. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Section 701 of Pub. L. 114-74) was signed into law on Nov. 2, 2015, and further amended the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990.
Back to Citation3. Under Section 3(2)(A) of the 2015 Act, “civil monetary penalty” means “a specific monetary amount as provided by Federal law”; or “has a maximum amount provided for by Federal law.” EPA-administered statutes generally refer to statutory maximum penalties, with the following exceptions: Section 311(b)(7)(D) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1321(b)(7)(D), refers to a minimum penalty of “not less than $100,000 . . .”; Section 104B(d)(1) of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, 33 U.S.C. 1414b(d)(1), refers to an exact penalty of $600 “[f]or each dry ton (or equivalent) of sewage sludge or industrial waste dumped or transported by the person in violation of this subsection in calendar year 1992 . . .”; and Section 325(d)(1) of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, 42 U.S.C. 11045(d)(1), refers to an exact civil penalty of $25,000 for each frivolous trade secret claim.
Back to Citation4. Current and historical CPI-U's can be found on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' website here: https://www.bls.gov/cpi/tables/supplemental-files/historical-cpi-u-201910.pdf.
Back to Citation5. With this rule, for ease of reference, the order of the Tables and the columns within each Table are now presented in reverse chronological order.
Back to Citation6. Section 5(b) of the 2015 Act provides that the term “cost-of-living adjustment” means the percentage (if any) for each civil monetary penalty by which—
(1) the Consumer Price Index for the month of October preceding the date of the adjustment, exceeds
(2) the Consumer Price Index for the month of October 1 year before the month of October referred to in paragraph (2).
Because the CPI-U for October 2019 is 257.346 and the CPI-U for October 2018 is 252.885, the cost-of-living multiplier is 1.01764 (257.346 divided by 252.885).
Back to Citation[FR Doc. 2019-28019 Filed 1-10-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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