The U.S. government said that there would be "surprise checks" on pollution at petrochemical plants and other facilities as part of the Biden administration's efforts to protect the environment in nearby poor and minority communities, which are often close to the plants.
Michael Regan, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, ordered unannounced inspections at places that are thought to be breaking air and water regulations.
Environmental regulations will be more closely enforced in spring when a new Pollution Accountability Team project will be launched. It will combine in-person inspections with technology to track air and ground pollution.
In November, Michael Regan, who visited polluted areas in southern states, said the new federal rules were long overdue. Moreover, he said the new rules would help a lot.
When he spoke, he said that "residents have been harmed for far too long and local, state, and federal agencies need to do more."
In April, Michael Regan told the agency's offices to focus more on addressing environmental injustices by increasing enforcement against polluters, working with and investing in pollution-burdened communities, and other things, as well as other things.
The EPA recently gave out grants of $20 million. It also proposed new ways to measure the risk of certain pollutants, like ethylene oxide, to nearby communities.
The government plans to do things where President Reagan went in November. For example, a pilot air monitoring project will start in Louisiana's "cancer alley," which is home to many petrochemical plants.
