News & Updates
The LARGEST Environmental Settlement in DC History
All District residents have the right to enjoy the natural treasures of our great city while living in safe and healthy neighborhoods. OAG will continue to work hard, everyday, to ensure that the law protects that right for everyone.
Attorney General Schwalb Secures $57 Million from Pepco for Anacostia River Contamination and Cleanup, Largest Environmental Settlement in DC History
Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today announced that Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco) will pay over $57 million to resolve allegations that it discharged toxic chemicals into the District’s land and waterways for decades, resulting in the persistent toxic pollution of the Anacostia River…
AG Schwalb Announces Agreement to Enhance Chesapeake Bay Restoration Efforts
Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today announced that a proposed settlement has been reached in the lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its failure to ensure that Pennsylvania reduce its contribution of pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including the Potomac…
We Are Suing a Major Chemical Manufacturer for Harming DC Residents
Environmental justice is intertwined with racial justice. By filing this lawsuit, we’re standing up for communities of color, who, far too often, bear the brunt of pollution, as they did in this case.
AG Racine Announces New Lawsuit Against Major Chemical Manufacturer for Polluting District Waterways with Cancer-Causing Toxin
Attorney General Karl A. Racine today announced a new lawsuit against Velsicol, a major chemical manufacturer, for violating District environmental laws by contaminating local waterways and natural resources with toxic, cancer-causing chemicals for decades, harming the health and safety of low-…
The Office of the Attorney General’s Actions to Promote Environmental Justice
Since 2014, OAG has recovered $60,641,399 to promote environmental justice in the District through legal action.
AG Racine Announces New Focus on Advocating for the Public Interest in Zoning and Development Cases
Attorney General Karl A. Racine today announced that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is taking on a new role of advocating for affordable housing, racial equity, and environmental justice in the zoning, land use, and related development processes. Previously, OAG was solely required to…
AG Racine Announces Successful Resolution of Two Environmental Enforcement Actions & Files New Lawsuit Against Local Polluter
Attorney General Karl A. Racine today announced that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) successfully resolved two environmental enforcement actions—winning a judgment in a water pollution lawsuit and reaching a settlement in a lead paint investigation—and filed a new lawsuit against a…
AG Racine Announces Ward 5 Property Owners Charged $350k Penalty for Toxic Oil Leaks And Spills, Cleanup Required
Attorney General Karl A. Racine today announced a settlement with Andrew Schaeffer and 2201 Channing St., LLC, the owners of a Ward 5 commercial property where a group of auto repair and sales businesses violated environmental laws for several years.
AG Racine Files Lawsuit Against EPA Over Failure to Protect Chesapeake Bay
Attorney General Karl A. Racine today announced that the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to protect the Chesapeake Bay and local waters, including the Potomac River.