Criminal environmental abuse is an ongoing problem. Although laws exist, their enforcement has been an ambiguous issue. Responsibilities have shifted from state and federal agencies to local governments where the enforcement challenge is building.
Environmental Circuit Rider Program (ECRP)
H-GAC has implemented an Environmental Circuit Rider Program within the region. The program is designed to assist counties with enforcing and prosecuting environmental crimes by educating elected officials, district and county attorneys, justices of the peace, county court at law judges, district court judges, county constables, sheriffs, peace officers and code enforcement officers. Manuals were developed to assist attorneys and JPs with prosecuting cases and to assist environmental investigators with investigating cases.
The ECRP multi-media library is now available and includes: civil and criminal enforcement manuals, justice of the peace manuals, as well as video and PowerPoint presentations. All materials are available for download or viewing.
H-GAC will continue to coordinate workshops to provide additional, more in-depth training to environmental enforcement officers. If you have any questions regarding these materials, or want to receive e-mail notification of upcoming workshops and roundtables, please contact:
swinformation@h-gac.com
Want to Know More?
Visit the publications page to find more information including how to establish a successful environmental enforcement program in your area.