State Review Framework (Renewal)

The State Review Framework (Framework) is an oversight tool designed to assess state performance in enforcement and compliance assurance. The Frameworks goal is to evaluate state performance by examining data to provide a consistent level of oversight and develop a uniform mechanism by which EPA Regions, working collaboratively with their states, ensure state environmental agencies consistently implement the national compliance and enforcement program to meet agreed-upon goals and standards. Furthermore, the Framework is designed to foster dialogue on enforcement and compliance performance between the states to enhance relationships and increase feedback, which leads to consistent program management and improved environmental results. Specifically, the Framework is a structured process to provide critical information on a states (or Regions, for states with EPA-implemented programs) core enforcement and compliance assurance performance by employing data in EPAs national databases and presented in management reports for each state. No new data collection is required for the national databases. Data from national databases is complimented by data obtained through file reviews of a state environmental agencys compliance and enforcement files. No new data is required in these files; however, they are reviewed to ensure proper and adequate documentation. The Framework process asks regions, states, and local governments to examine the existing data described above in four core programs: Clean Air Act (CAA), Stationary Sources; Clean Water Act (CWA), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Subtitle C and the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The EPA evaluates five (5) elements using data and file review metrics that require no new reporting burden. A new collection covered by this ICR relates to state criminal enforcement activity related to CAA, CWA and RCRA; however, the additional burden is minimal, given that the data is expected to be preexisting. The utility of the Frameworks metrics and the Implementation Guide are a direct result of the collaboration between states, EPA Regions, and EPA Headquarters. The five (5) elements are 1) Data (completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of MDR entry into national data systems); 2) Inspections (coverage, report completeness and timeliness); 3) Violations (accuracy of compliance and SNC/HPV determinations); 4) Enforcement (timeliness, appropriateness, return to compliance and criminal); and 5) Penalties (documentation of gravity, economic benefit, reduction in amount, and collection). In the interest of accuracy and efficiency, the Framework also includes a five-step protocol for managing the process: (1) pre-review; (2) offsite review; (3) onsite review; (4) drafting of the report; and (5) composing the final report and follow-up. After reviewing the level of performance based on the metrics developed under the five required performance elements, and other information collected in the review process, EPA will determine if a state or Region meets minimum performance levels. This ICR also covers the Drinking Water Enforcement Review Pilot (DW ER Pilot), which wasnt covered in the previous ICR. Due to its similar structure and goals to the SRF, this ICR is an appropriate forum to meet OMB requirements. Goals of the DW ER Pilot include: (1) Provide a nationally consistent approach for periodic, retrospective oversight of drinking water enforcement primacy programs; (2) Establish clear expectations and a level playing field for Primacy Agencies; (3) Encourage EPA-Primacy agency collaboration to identify and address program challenges; and (4) Evaluate whether the primacy agency take timely and appropriate actions to address violations, properly escalate enforcement, and ensures return to compliance.

The latest form for State Review Framework (Renewal) expires 2029-05-31 and can be found here.