Civil Enforcement

The SBREFA programs that are related to enforcement are specifically designed for and are intended to meet the needs of small businesses and other small entities. These programs are as follows:

Informal Guidance Program

This program has the following components:

1. EPA's Small Business Ombudsman (SBO) -- well known in the small business community as a "one-stop-shop" for multimedia compliance information
   
   
2. Regional Small Business Liaisons (RSBL) -- local contacts for resources to small entities
   
   
3. Various Hotlines and Clearinghouses -- information providers for entities of any size, including large percentages of small entities (National Environmental Compliance Assistance Clearinghouse)
   
   
4. Technical and Program Staff -- personnel in EPA Headquarters and the Regions who are available to answer questions in their subject area or who refer small entities to the appropriate state and local resources
   
   
5. Small Business Compliance Centers -- information providers for specific industry sectors having a large number of small businesses (EPA Compliance Assistance Centers)
   
   
6. EPA's Compliance Guides -- guide books which summarize and explain the environmental laws to simplify complying with these laws
   

RegFair Program

Under this program, the Small Business Administration (SBA) evaluates the enforcement activities of agencies based on the comments made by small businesses. The SBA then reports its findings annuually to congress.

Penalty Reduction Program

This program is designed to waive or reduce penalties for small entities through our Small Business Policy and Audit Policy. All small businesses that have qualified for relief under the Small Business Policy have received a 100% waiver of the penalty. They also may recieve relief under the Audit Policy.

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