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<p>The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia yesterday welcomed the Honorable Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, for a high-level visit aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Legislature and the country’s lead environmental institution.</p>
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<p>During the briefing, the Executive Director provided a comprehensive overview of the EPA’s major achievements in 2025.</p>
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<p>Notably, the agency completed the decentralization of EPA operations to all 15 counties, significantly enhancing environmental monitoring and compliance nationwide.</p>
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<p>The EPA also mobilized approximately USD 10 million in climate finance to support agriculture value chains and resilience under the ARREST Agenda. Progress was reported on critical coastal defense projects in West Point and Greenville, Sinoe County, alongside continued efforts to document county action plans for Liberia’s 15 counties.</p>
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<p>The Director emphasized strengthened enforcement actions, noting that holding polluters accountable has directly contributed to safeguarding environmental protection, public health, and saving lives. Important regulatory strides were highlighted, including the introduction of Net-Metering and Noise Pollution regulations.</p>
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<p>Looking ahead to 2026, the EPA outlined its priorities, including the construction of new EPA offices in five counties, expansion of the climate finance pipeline, and intensified enforcement of the Environmental Protection and Management Law (EPML).</p>
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<p>The briefing also acknowledged challenges, such as the rapid rise in excavator use contributing to forest degradation from unregulated mining, the illegal importation of hazardous chemicals like cyanide, ongoing wetland degradation, and persistent budgetary constraints.</p>
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<p>In response, the Agency called for increased Senate support through legislative reforms, enhanced budget allocations, and the approval of a USD 400,000 supplementary budget for wetland protection equipment, along with broader job creation strategies linked to environmental management.</p>
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<p>As part of the visit, the Senate Pro Tempore toured the EPA’s state-of-the-art environmental laboratory. The Director of Environmental Research and Radiation Services (ERRS), Mr. Rafael Ngumbu, provided a detailed overview of the facility’s capabilities, which include advanced testing of soil, water, and air quality to support pollution control, environmental compliance, and public health protection. The laboratory also plays a critical role in chemical analysis, environmental forensics, climate-related research, and emerging areas such as blue carbon assessment and natural capital accounting. It supports national and international reporting obligations, early warning systems, and evidence-based policymaking.</p>
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<p>In her remarks, the Senate Pro Tempore expressed strong appreciation for the EPA’s work and leadership in environmental protection and climate action. She reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to working closely with the EPA to ensure a safe and sustainable environment for all Liberians and pledged to organize a broader visit by members of Senate leadership to gain deeper insight into the Agency’s work and impact.</p>
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<p>Ultimately, the visit marks an important step in reinforcing legislative–executive collaboration to advance Liberia’s environmental governance, climate resilience, and sustainable development agenda.</p>
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