Regulation

We are the primary environmental regulator for New South Wales. As environmental stewards we are committed to a sustainable future for NSW, focussing our regulatory activities on improving outcomes that lead to a healthy, sustainable environment and a thriving society. Find out more about how we regulate and some of the tools we use.

Views across the Illawarra from Mt Keira including steel industry
Our Regulatory Framework sets out why and how we regulate, describes the elements of our framework and who we work with to improve outcomes for the environment and our communities.
Rural vista
Our Regulatory Policy sits under the framework and explains how we make regulatory decisions, and describes our tools and actions to address risks and respond to issues, incidents and non-compliance.
Inlet at Jervis Bay, Jervis Bay National Park
Every year we identify projects for focused and coordinated compliance action; part of our proactive response to critical issues and emerging risks to the environment and our community.
La Niña
Set out the factors we take into account in deciding whether, how and in what court to prosecute offences under the legislation we administer.
Sleeping warriors, Mungo National Park
Deal with sentencing options available for environmental offences, including investigation costs orders, publication orders and environmental service orders.
Desert fringe myrtle (Calytrix longiflora), Ledknapper Nature Reserve
Voluntary, legally binding, written agreements between the EPA and a company that or individual who is alleged to have breached environmental legislation.
Native vegetation at Langidoon / Metford Station
The guidelines seek to strike an appropriate balance between safety, privacy and efficiency for the EPA’s use of unmanned aircraft.
lake
MBOs provide a strong deterrent for possible future offenders and an incentive for operators to take proper precautions to protect the environment.
Lake Burrendong
Find information about our financial assurance policy and the Guideline on estimating financial assurances.
Xanthorrhoea, Myall Lakes National Park
We sometimes need to consider the financial capacity of regulated companies or persons – their ability to pay for the costs of their environment protection and human health obligations.