Published: Tuesday, May 4, 2021 EPA enforcement agents. Photo credit: EPA/YouTube An EPA enforcement agent. EPA/YouTube EPA's top enforcement official has directed agents to ramp up inspections in communities that have long been afflicted by pollution and called on agents "to step in and take necessary action" in cases where state regulators are falling short on the job. The internal memo from EPA's acting enforcement chief, Larry Starfield, shared with E&E News is the latest indication the agency intends to consider environmental justice when pursuing environmental crimes. And EPA agents are taking notice. "This is extremely heavy messaging to staff," said Nicole Cantello, a chapter president of the American Federation of Government Employees.