The authority delegated by the Attorney General to the Assistant Attorney General to compromise suits is set forth in 28 C.F.R. §§ 0.65 through 0.69c and 28 C.F.R. §§ 0.160 through 0.172. The Assistant Attorney General has redelegated to the Deputy Assistant Attorneys General, the Section Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs, and to the United States Attorneys, authority to compromise, close, or dismiss, certain types of cases pursuant to ENRD Directive No. 2024-02 and ENRD Directive No. 2016-03 (applicable to the Environmental Enforcement Section and the Environmental Defense Section). These directives specify procedures for the compromise, closing or dismissal of certain cases, as well as limitations on these delegations.

Except for those claims expressly and specifically authorized to be compromised, closed or dismissed by the United States Attorneys, no claim or case within the area of responsibility of the Environment and Natural Resources Division may be compromised, closed or dismissed without the specific authority of the Attorney General, the Assistant Attorney General, or the appropriate Section Chief or Deputy Chief. Instructions with respect to submitting proposed settlements or compromises for approval, and for authorization to dismiss cases, are set forth in JM 5-6.000 to 5.15.000 for the various Sections of the Division.

[cited in JM 5-7.600; JM 5-8.600; JM 5-9.600; JM 5-10.600; JM 5-10.620; JM 5-10.630]

[Updated August 2024]