How to File with the EPA's Environmental Appeals Board Using the e-Filing System

Filing Deadline

To be considered timely, documents must be submitted through the e-Filing System by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the day the document is required to be filed with the EAB.

How to File Documents Electronically

The EAB uses the e-Filing System to receive official filings electronically in lieu of paper filings. Sending a document directly to the Board via e-mail, rather than through the e-filing system, does not constitute electronic filing unless otherwise specified by the Board.

 All documents filed electronically must be submitted in portable document format (PDF). All attachments filed in support of a brief, motion, or other document must be submitted using the “attachment” link in the e-Filing System. 

To file documents, follow these steps: 

1. Register. Registration is required to use the e-Filing System. Anyone planning to use the system is advised to allow sufficient time for registration as registration can take 1-2 business days to complete. Please note that it is the filer’s responsibility to ensure that documents are timely filed. After you registering you will have a username and password.
   1.  For a password reset, click the following link: Environmental Protection Agency - EAB-ALJ eFiling Registration - Change Password That Has Expired Or Has Been Reset
2. Login. With your username and password log into the system. Determine whether you are filing a New Appeal, filing a document in an Existing Appeal, or filing a Motion for Reconsideration of an EAB decision.
   1. For New Appeals, click on the link that identifies the type of appeal in your case.
   2. For Existing Appeals, click on the link that identifies the type of document you are filing.
   3. Complete the submission form, locate your main document (i.e., petition, appeal brief, response brief, motion, etc.) and upload your main document by clicking “Submit.”
   4. To file additional documents or add attachments, click “Return to filing/upload additional attachments;” click “Add attachments” to be directed to the upload form. Complete the form and click “Save.” Continue this process until all attachments are uploaded. NOTE: Do not return to the main menu until you have uploaded all attachments.

Signature Requirement

Use of the e-Filing System fulfills the signature requirement for all purposes under the relevant regulations governing the case that is being appealed. The full name of the person making the filing should be typed or printed below the signature line of the electronically filed document.

Private and Confidential Information

Documents uploaded to the e-Filing System will be available to the public as part of the electronic docket. Therefore, private and or confidential business information should not be submitted through this system.

Number of copies

To the extent that the regulations governing your appeal require multiple copies of a document to be submitted, electronically filing that document is deemed to satisfy that requirement.

The paper copy requirement for documents longer than 50 pages is no longer in effect.

Need assistance?

• For problems accessing the e-filing system (e.g., login and password issues) you may call the EPA Help Desk at 1-866-411-4372 and select option 3 (for the EPA Enterprise IT Service Desk when prompted.
• If the problem is caused by a system malfunction and the EPA Help Desk is unable to resolve the problem, you should promptly notify the Clerk of the Board, at Clerk_EAB@epa.gov or (202) 564-2556 and make alternative filing arrangements. The Clerk is available Monday through Friday (except federal holidays), between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET.
• For any other problems experienced while electronically filing documents, or questions regarding use of the e-filing system contact the Clerk of the Board.
• If you are experiencing problems with the electronic filing system after 4:30 p.m. ET you should notify the Clerk on the next business day and provide any supporting evidence of the problem, such as a copy of an error message or screen print of an error page. The Board will verify reported outages of the electronic filing system.