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Protecting Our Environment
Environmental Protection Unit
The Office of the City Attorney Environmental Protection
Unit is a specialized vertical prosecution unit that pursues
both criminal and civil actions to enforce state and city
environmental protection statutes and ordinances. The Environmental
Protection Unit prosecutes a broad range of environmental
crimes, including the illegal transportation, storage,
and disposal of hazardous waste and toxic materials, underground
storage tank violations, storm-water pollution, oil spill
incidents, and noise and air pollution violations. The
Environmental Protection Unit also seeks civil action for
the enforcement of environmental protection statutes, including
lawsuits for violations of Proposition 65, as well as pursuing
injunctions or abatements for violations of matters regarding
public health, such as lead-based paint.
The Office of the City Attorney Office partners with multiple
government agencies to protect the environment. The Environmental
Protection Unit leads the Environmental Protection Strike
Force, a group of federal, state and local agencies that
work together, share resources, and exchange information
to more effectively and consistently enforce environmental
protection laws. The Strike Force prioritizes the prosecution
of businesses and individuals whose activities and operations
diminish or disproportionately affect the quality of life
for Los Angeles's residents, particularly those in close
proximity to schools and those in lower income neighborhoods.
In the event of a serious chemical emergency or environmental
violation, Strike Force member agencies mobilize a multi-agency
team of investigative, technical, and legal experts for
a comprehensive response. Information sharing and collaboration
enables Strike Force member agencies to maximize efficiency
in conducting investigations and addressing violations.
The Environmental Protection Unit is headed by Assistant
City Attorney Patricia Bilgin. For additional information,
contact the Office of the City Attorney Environmental Protection
Unit: (213) 978-8080.
Resources
To report environmental protection violations, contact
the Los Angeles Police Department's Environmental Crimes
Unit: (213) 473-7441.
Businesses located in the City of Los Angeles with questions
regarding compliance with environmental protection laws
should contact the Los Angeles City Environmental Affairs
Department: (213) 978-0880.
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