DEM Director Gray: Probably Should Have Taken Action Earlier and We Still Have an Enforcement Hammer

Director Gray of the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has recently declared that his agency should have taken action earlier in the environmental crisis, insisting that the DEM still possess an enforcement hammer.

Despite being apprised of the developing climate situation, Gray has conceded that the Department’s response was inadequate, conceding that they should have acted sooner. He has further asserted, however, that the DEM still maintain the capacity to make a difference, maintaining that they still possess an enforcement hammer.

“In hindsight, it’s evident that our response was inadequate and that we should have taken stronger steps much sooner,” Gray said. “But that doesn’t mean that we can’t take action now. We still possess the capability to make a difference through the enforcement of existing regulations.”

Gray has called for a more proactive approach, urging the agency to take the initiative in addressing environmental issues. He has also called for increased collaboration with other state and federal regulators, asserting that a unified approach is key to making meaningful progress.

“We must be willing to take the lead and work with other state and federal agencies to ensure that we are doing everything we can to address this crisis,” Gray said. “The enforcement hammer is still in our hands, and we must be willing to use it.”

The director has also called for the implementation of new policies and procedures to ensure that the agency is in compliance with existing regulations. He has also urged for more stringent oversight and enforcement of these regulations, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency.

“We must ensure that we are adhering to the highest standards of environmental protection,” Gray said. “And that means implementing new procedures and policies while also providing rigorous oversight and enforcement of existing regulations. We must be willing to use our enforcement hammer to ensure that everyone is held accountable.”

Gray’s remarks come as the DEM has been widely criticized for its handling of the environmental crisis. While he has acknowledged that the agency should have taken action sooner, he has also made clear that he believes the agency still has the ability to make a difference.

“We have the power to make a real difference,” Gray said. “And while we should have acted sooner, we still have the ability to use our enforcement hammer to ensure that everyone is held accountable.”