June 10
As oil continues to gush into the Gulf of Mexico, a United States
senator wants to increase penalties for environmental crimes.
U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) has introduced the Environmental Crimes
Enforcement Act.
"This bill takes two common sense steps -- well-reasoned increases in
sentences and mandatory restitution for environmental crime," said
Leahy. "These measures are tough, but fair. They are important steps
toward deterring criminal conduct that can cause environmental and
economic disaster."
The bill would change current law, which says restitution for Clean
Water Act violations is discretionary, the senator said.
Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Jim Johnson at
937-964-1289 or jpjohnson@crain.com
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