Public Protection Department

Environmental Division

The mission statement of the Environmental Division of the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office is to protect the environment, and provide support to state agencies with environmental missions.

The State of Arkansas, nicknamed the "Natural State," has been blessed with unspoiled lakes, rivers, mountains, and forests. Arkansas's natural beauty is one of its greatest assets and tourist attractions. Areas for camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, canoeing, and other outdoor activities abound. Recognizing this fact, Act 587 of 1991 was passed so that attorneys, specializing in environmental law, could be hired by the Attorney General.

The Environmental Division is included within the Public Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office, along with the Utility Division, Consumer Protection Division, and Antitrust Division. The Environmental Division has been active in bringing lawsuits to clean up hazardous and solid waste dump sites, to abate public nuisances, and to maintain Arkansas's forests, lakes, and scenic rivers so that future generations can enjoy the outdoor splendors that are so plentiful in the Natural State.The Division is also entrusted with the protection of certain trust funds established within the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and often represents the interests of those funds in environmental and tort actions.

While the Attorney General’s Office does not represent individuals in matters involving private disputes, in keeping with its goals of protecting and preserving Arkansas’ environment, the Attorney General encourages citizens to provide information about air or water pollution control problems, illegal dumping, hazardous and solid waste issues, and any other matters that affect the environment.

You may register your complaint with the Environmental Division by calling (501) 682-3649 or (800) 482-8982. Complaints may also be faxed to (501) 682-8118 or mailed to 323 Center Street, Suite 200, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201. Please provide enough information to identify the situation that you are reporting, such as the problem encountered, the location, and your name and telephone number. Depending on the nature of the situation being reported, the Attorney General’s Office may refer your complaint to another state agency, such as the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, for inspection and investigation.