Criminal Investigations and Cases

The following is a list of major criminal investigations and cases prosecuted by state attorneys general to address environmental crimes, organized by topic:

• Water Pollution

• Natural Resources

• Solid and Hazardous Waste

• Environmental Justice

Water Pollution

Flint Water Crisis Investigation (2016): Michigan AG launched investigation to determine criminal and civil liability for violations of state law that caused or contributed to the Flint Water Crisis.

Natural Resources

Criminal Investigation of the Refugio Oil Spill (May 2016): California AG indicted Plains All American Pipeline on criminal charges resulting from the Refugio Oil Spill.

Solid and Hazardous Waste

Ventura County and State of California v. Santa Clara Waste Water (2015): Joint prosecution between the State of California and the County of Ventura against Santa Clara Waste Water, its parent company, and individual employees for criminal violations stemming from hazardous waste disposal.

Environmental Justice

Flint Water Crisis Investigation (2016): Michigan AG launched investigation to determine criminal and civil liability for violations of state law that caused or contributed to the Flint Water Crisis.