Office Functions

The Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations (OCIR) serves as EPA's principal point of contact for Congress, States and local governments. The Office serves as liaisons with these constituencies on the Agency's major programs (e.g., Air/Pesticides, Water, Waste) as well as on intergovernmental issues. View the OCIR organizational chart here The major functions of OCIR include:

Assist, develop and implement the legislative agenda for the Agency, including legislative initiatives and proposals.
Lead EPA in the review of legislation; coordinate EPA's formal positions and technical assistance to Congress; and monitor all relevant legislative actions (e.g., bills, reports, regulations) related to EPA Programs.
Lead the development and implementation of the National Environmental Performance Partnership System between EPA and the States.
Manage and monitor environmental issues with both national associations and individual State and local governments through interactions with the Governors, State Environmental Commissioners, Local Government Resource Center, the Small Community Advisory Committee, and the Local Government Advisory Committee.
Facilitate communication of the Agency's priorities and policies to the Congress.
Manage and monitor Agency and public requests for Congressional information and maintain the Legislative Library with legislative reference data and general legislative research services.
Coordinate Agency appearances at Congressional Hearings and manage associated Testimony.
Manage resources and coordinate policy for the Regional Geographic Initiatives and the Regional Science and Technology Organizations
Ensure integration of Headquarter's policy and guidance into Regional Office operations and incorporation of regional views and needs into formulation of Agency policy and decision-making.
Notify Congress of the Agency's grant awards.

Additional Information

OCIR Contacts

Remote Access

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Office Functions

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