National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative: Creating Cleaner Air for Communities

The Creating Cleaner Air for Communities National Enforcement Compliance Initiative (NECI) targets significant sources of harmful air pollution affecting human health that are violating Clean Air Act (CAA) regulations. Americans are impacted by harmful air pollutants such as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead. People exposed to HAPs and other pervasive and harmful air pollutants at sufficient concentrations and durations may have an increased chance of getting cancer or experiencing other serious health effects. These health effects can include immunological, neurological, reproductive, developmental, respiratory, and other health problems and cardiovascular, liver, and kidney damage.  

Goals

1. Identify and reduce air pollution through inspections and other compliance monitoring activities and resolving violations through enforcement actions that obtain appropriate injunctive relief and mitigation.  
2. Increase communication with affected communities about EPA’s priorities, resources, and work.

FY 2025 Results

Compliance Monitoring Activities  

In FY 2025, EPA utilized advanced monitoring tools to identify inspection targets and conducted 115 compliance monitoring activities.  

Enforcement Cases

In FY 2025, EPA concluded 13 enforcement actions, which collectively have reduced almost 1.7 million pounds per year of VOCs, approximately 117,000 pounds of PM, and over 2,500 pounds per year of HAPs.