The Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney's Environmental Justice and Protection unit (EJU) is a specialized prosecution unit that pursues both criminal and civil actions to enforce state and city environmental protection statutes and ordinances. EJU prosecutes a broad range of environmental crimes, including the illegal transportation, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste and toxic materials, underground storage tank violations, storm-water pollution, oil spill incidents, noise and air pollution violations, and fish and wildlife violations. EJU also uses civil law enforcement actions to enforce public nuisance violations that are harmful to public health.
The City Attorney's Office partners with multiple government agencies to protect the environment. EJU leads several task forces including a local Strike Force, a local oil and gas task force, a southern California enforcement group, and a statewide field and wildlife task force. These groups bring together federal, state and local agencies, share resources, and exchange information to more effectively and consistently enforce environmental protection laws. The Strike Force prioritizes the prosecution of businesses and individuals whose activities and operations diminish or disproportionately affect the quality of life for Los Angeles residents, particularly those in close proximity to schools and those in lower income neighborhoods. Information sharing and collaboration enables task force member agencies to maximize efficiency in conducting investigations and addressing violations.
To report potential environmental protection violations, including illegal dumping, create a service request on MyLA311, call or text 911, or file a complaint with the California Environmental Protection Agency.