"The number of U.S. EPA cops on the beat has declined dramatically over the last dozen years, according to data released today by a watchdog group.

EPA has less than half the special agents in its Criminal Investigation Division than it had in 2003, said Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

As the number of agents declined, so have criminal cases and successful prosecutions.

PEER obtained the EPA data through a Freedom of Information Act request.

"This evaporation of criminal enforcement is snowballing in that fewer agents generate fewer cases leading to ever-fewer convictions down the road," PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch said in a statement."

Amanda Reilly reports for Greenwire August 24, 2017. [2]