MONROVIA – At a time when environmental governance, climate accountability, and regulatory enforcement are increasingly central to Liberia’s sustainable development agenda, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported significant institutional, regulatory, and policy gains, positioning the Agency as a key driver of environmental reform and climate action. These achievements were highlighted on the weekend by the Executive Director of the EPA, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, during the Agency’s 2025 Media Engagement held at the EJS Ministerial Complex, with journalists, staff, and development partners in attendance. The Analyst reports.
The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, on Friday engaged journalists, staff, and development partners at the EJS Ministerial Complex, highlighting major institutional achievements, regulatory milestones, and the Agency’s strategic direction for 2025–2029.
Speaking during the 2025 Media Engagement, Dr. Yarkpawolo expressed appreciation to the media for its role in public awareness and accountability, while presenting key highlights from the 2024 performance report, progress made in 2025, and the Agency’s outlook toward 2026 and beyond.
He disclosed that the EPA has strengthened its operational capacity through the acquisition of four new vehicles, the verification and documentation of 250 institutional assets, and the transition of its email system from Google to a more secure Outlook platform. The Agency has also developed a user-friendly website that allows the public to request environmental permits online.
In the area of infrastructure and human capital development, Dr. Yarkpawolo announced the construction of a Climate Change Laboratory at the University of Liberia, the purchase of a permanent EPA headquarters, and the securing of a new building for the relocation of EPA offices. He further revealed that 150 Liberians benefited from short-term climate change law scholarships valued at US$270,000, while additional Master’s and PhD scholarships were negotiated with Princeton University for qualified public-sector professionals.
According to the EPA Executive Director, the Agency conducted 30 intersectoral public engagements nationwide, trained 12 staff at the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA), and supported several staff in academic programs across the world. A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed with the Sierra Leone EPA to strengthen cross-border collaboration.
Presenting the EPA Strategic Plan (2025–2029), Dr. Yarkpawolo outlined five key pillars: Governance and Management, Institutional Capacity, Information and Public Awareness, Compliance and Enforcement, and International and National Commitments. He emphasized plans to decentralize the EPA to all 15 counties, strengthen environmental laws, establish a National Environmental Registry, and build modern headquarters and regional laboratories.
On international commitments, he announced that Liberia has submitted its NDC 3.0, committing to an unconditional 10 percent emission reduction, and up to 54 percent contingent on international support, under the Paris Agreement.
Dr. Yarkpawolo reported that the EPA has fully enforced the Environmental Protection and Management Law, conducted nationwide compliance inspections, and commenced construction of an Organic Waste Management Center in Monrovia. The Agency also supported the development of Liberia’s Net-Metering Policy, promoting renewable energy and private-sector participation.
Regulatory performance highlights for 2025 include the issuance of 257 environmental permits, verification of 167 project sites, rejection of over 70 non-compliant permit applications, and the conduct of 34 ESIA conferences and 11 public consultations. The EPA also reviewed 248 environmental audit reports, trained and certified 101 environmental evaluators, and carried out 140 enforcement actions, imposing US$303,300 in environmental fines, generating more than US$200,000 in government revenue.
Additionally, he said: “EPA developed 11 environmental regulations, issued over 150 chemical-related licenses and permits, processed more than 100 applications, and exceeded annual targets for fumigation licenses by 140 percent. Environmental monitoring efforts included inspections of over 70 facilities, 60 investigations, analysis of 100 environmental samples, and the accreditation of nine analytical laboratories, surpassing annual targets by 128 percent.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Dr. Yarkpawolo said the EPA will focus on strengthening enforcement through a fully staffed Legal Department, automating the ESIA regime, establishing a central compliance monitoring laboratory integrated with GIS, and exploring the creation of an Environmental Court as provided under the EPA Act.
He added that the Agency will develop an NDC Implementation Plan, a Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy, initiate National Environmental Funds, including a Climate Change Trust Fund and Green Tax, strengthen county environmental committees, launch a Gender Policy, and lead the development of the Nuclear Act of Liberia, positioning the EPA as a modern, science-driven institution.
“The EPA remains committed to regulatory excellence, transparency, and protecting Liberia’s environment for present and future generations,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said.