About the Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman Program

The Asbestos and Small Business Ombuds (Ombudsman) Program helps make technical resources on environmental regulations, asbestos, and compliance assistance information more accessible. The Program also fosters partnership opportunities for federal, tribal and state collaboration to assist small businesses in managing environmental compliance and performance goals, as well as coordinating EPA technical experts’ responses to asbestos-related questions.

In one comprehensive program, the Asbestos and Small Business Ombuds (ASBO) serves two distinct roles: (1) the Asbestos Ombuds role and (2) the Small Business Ombuds role.

The Asbestos Ombudsman and Small Business Ombudsman both work to advocate on behalf of their areas as well as connect people to other parts of EPA when necessary.

Advocate: Agency Liaison

Supports ongoing and informal guidance for small businesses to help EPA gain small business perspectives and insights on rule development and compliance challenges.
Fosters partnerships with state/ federal/tribal programs and trade associations on environmental regulations and guidance related to asbestos or that impact small businesses.
Rather than advocating for EPA or for the small business, the ASBO serves as an impartial resource which advocates for a fair process when considering complaints or resolving disputes within EPA’s rulemaking, compliance and enforcement activities.

Connect: Agency Conduit

Serves as an independent and impartial point of contact for regulated small entities and those with asbestos concerns.
Issues a monthly news bulletin highlighting environmental regulation, compliance assistance, resources, and upcoming events.

Serve: Asbestos and Small Business Environmental Assistance - National Oversight

Monitors and engages on asbestos and environmental small business activities or events on behalf of the public and small business community,
Responds daily to questions, complaints, and concerns by funding and managing a National Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman Toll-Free Hotline (1-800-368-5888) and email (asbo@epa.gov) for asbestos and small business-related concerns.
Assists in planning, coordinating, and developing quality resources about asbestos and other EPA topics for the regulated small business community.