Legal Division

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The Legal Division's staff of 15 provides legal support for the Director’s Office and the regulatory divisions. Staff attorneys represent the agency in enforcement actions, permit appeals, and other regulatory matters before the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission as well as in state and federal courts.

Staff attorneys prepare personnel for court and deposition appearances. The Legal Division drafts and monitors legislation before the Arkansas General Assembly. Legal Division attorneys appear before legislative committees on a variety of issues. The Legal Division assists the regulatory divisions with drafting regulations and preparing and filing rulemaking petitions.

All formal enforcement actions, including Emergency Orders, are prepared or reviewed by the Legal Division. Legal opinions are prepared for Department use on a variety of environmental issues and administrative matters. Staff attorneys serve on Department committees regarding environmental issues, streamlining Department operations, and other issues benefiting citizens. The Legal Division also pursues collection of all unpaid fees and penalties on behalf of the Department.