The Law and Policy Section advises and assists the Assistant Attorney General on legal and policy questions, particularly those that affect multiple sections in the Division. Working with the Department’s Office of Legislative Affairs, it coordinates the Division’s response to proposed legislation, prepares the Division’s response to legislative proposals and congressional requests, and drafts legislative proposals in connection with the Division’s work. The Section helps to coordinate the Division’s amicus practice and handles trial court amicus briefs; discharges the Department’s responsibilities with respect to citizen enforcement actions under the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1365, and Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7604, including reviewing proposed consent judgments in such actions; addresses certain cross-cutting or novel legal issues; and undertakes other special litigation projects to address new or non-routine problems. The Section also handles questions relating to legislative jurisdiction over particular lands; coordinates the Division’s involvement in international legal matters; represents the Division on interagency task forces and workgroups; responds to congressional and citizen correspondence and FOIA requests; serves as the Division’s ethics officer and counselor; and functions as a liaison with state and local governments.

[updated April 2018]