Missouri convenes Environmental Crimes Task Force…

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, FEB. 2, 2026 - After a roughly 25-year hiatus, Missouri has reconvened an Environmental Crimes Task Force to investigate and prosecute violations of state and federal environmental laws. Missouri's task force combines local, state and federal law enforcement, prosecutors and environmental regulators who will focus on crimes like illegal dumping, hazardous waste disposal, illegal discharges into waterways and more.

While a similar task force existed several years ago, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is leading the effort to activate a new team responsible for ensuring that prosecution of environmental violations and crimes is efficiently and effectively coordinated between the different enforcement partner entities.

"Missouri has effectively prosecuted environmental crimes for decades, but we felt it was time to convene a new task force that will be even more focused, collaborative and effective," said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. "Ultimately, our goal is to protect public health and the environment."

"Protecting Missouri's communities and environmental resources is a top priority," said Attorney General Catherine Hanaway. "Those who violate environmental laws and jeopardize public health will be held accountable. We appreciate Director Schaefer's leadership in convening this task force and look forward to working together to enforce our laws."

The Missouri Environmental Crimes Task Force brings together specialized knowledge and capabilities to handle complex and often felonious violations, crucial to addressing crimes that might otherwise go undetected. The team will work together to strategize not only how to better enforce environmental law, but how to deter those crimes before they happen.

"I am honored to have EPA Region 7 serve as a key member of Missouri's Environmental Crimes Task Force," said EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy. "The creation of this task force is a great example of how EPA can work with state and local agencies to deliver clean air, clean land, and clean water to all Americans while ensuring those responsible for crimes are held accountable."

Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7, the U.S. Attorneys for the Eastern and Western districts of Missouri and the Missouri Attorney General's Office joined MoDNR at the meeting in Jefferson City last week.