News Release: EPA OIG 2024 Year in Review — A Landmark Year in Fighting Fraud and Strengthening Oversight

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General today released a new podcast and infographic highlighting the results of its 2024 “Year of Fighting Fraud” oversight campaign. Among the year’s successes, the EPA OIG identified more than $2 billion in monetary impacts and brought dozens of criminal charges related to alleged fraud in EPA operations.

Throughout 2024, the EPA OIG enhanced its efforts to combat fraud in EPA programs, especially those receiving more than $100 billion in supplemental appropriations under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or IIJA. The OIG leveraged data-driven and innovative methods through a whole-of-office approach to root out vulnerabilities for fraud, waste, and abuse. Of the more than 60 reports issued, including 18 IIJA-focused reports and seven hotline-related reports, the EPA OIG safeguarded taxpayer dollars by identifying over $2 billion in monetary impacts.

In addition, EPA OIG issued six administrative investigation reports and participated in joint investigations that led to 29 criminal charges, 12 indictments, and five convictions. These joint investigations resulted in $1.7 million in criminal fines and recoveries and $2.6 million in administrative recoveries. Innovating to not only catch bad actors but to stay ahead of them, the EPA OIG bolstered its outreach and prevention efforts, conducting more than 130 fraud awareness briefings for thousands of stakeholders across the country. The office also developed fraud alerts and a podcast series of “fraudcasts” to increase EPA and public awareness.

Building on the award-winning success of its 2024 campaign, the EPA OIG will continue to focus on innovative strategies using advanced analytics and technologies to elevate oversight of the IIJA and Inflation Reduction Act. This forward-thinking approach rings in 2025 as a year of innovation in fighting fraud.

“We had a fantastic year in 2024 fighting fraud and we’re carrying that momentum into 2025 with bold strategies and innovative approaches,” said EPA Inspector General Sean W. O’Donnell. “By leveraging new tools and expertise outside of the environmental space, we will be innovators in the continued fight against fraud, waste, and abuse.”

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About the EPA OIG

The OIG is an independent office within the EPA that performs audits, evaluations, and investigations of the EPA and the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. For more information, visit our website and follow the OIG on X, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Anyone with knowledge of potential waste, fraud, and abuse relating to EPA operations and programs is encouraged to report it to the OIG Hotline at (888) 546-8740 or OIG.Hotline@epa.gov.

Download the news release (PDF).