Can the Ombudsman advocate for me during my enforcement investigation or while in litigation with EPA? What are the limitations of what an Ombudsman can do for me?

As an informal resource, EPA’s ASBO does not:

• Address matters in litigation or matters associated with formal enforcement investigations
• Resolve or advocate for a specific small business or inquiry
• Delay any statutory, regulatory, or other EPA deadlines
• Make decisions or legal determinations for EPA including (but not limited to) funding or civil rights decisions
• Serve as a formal office of legal notice for EPA
• Provide its own interpretations or legal clarifications of law or policy
• Ensure or require that programs meet their statutory requirements

Contact EPA’s Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman directly at hoag.paula@epa.gov for more information on specific services and limitations. Working with the ombudsman program is voluntary, confidential, and free of charge.