Sec. 504. Citizens suits
572 words·~3 min read·
/bill/119/hr/1865/ih/section-504A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Except as provided in subsection (c), any person may commence a civil action to compel compliance— against any person that is alleged to be in violation of this Act or any term or condition of any lease, license, or permit issued under this Act; or against the Secretary concerned if the Secretary concerned failed to perform any act or duty under this Act, or to issue any regulation under this Act, required by this Act. The United States district courts shall have jurisdiction over an action brought under this section, without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties, including actions brought to apply any civil penalty under this Act.
The United States district courts shall have jurisdiction to compel agency action unreasonably delayed, except that an action to compel agency action reviewable under section 505 may only be filed in a United States district court within the circuit in which such action would be reviewable under section 505. No action may be commenced under subsection
(a)before the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date the plaintiff has given notice in writing of such alleged violation to the alleged violator and the Secretary concerned, except that any such action may be brought immediately after such notification if the violation complained of constitutes an imminent threat to the environment or to the health or safety of the public or to property eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. No action may be brought against any person other than the Secretary concerned under subsection (a)(1) if the Secretary concerned has commenced and is diligently prosecuting a civil or criminal action in a court of the United States to require compliance. No action may be commenced under subsection (a)(2) against the Secretary concerned to review any regulation issued, or any permit issued or denied, by the Secretary concerned if such regulation or permit issuance or denial is judicially reviewable under section 505 or under any other provision of law at any time after such issuance or denial is final. Venue of all actions brought under this section shall be determined in accordance with section 1391 of title 28, United States Code. The court, in issuing any final order in any action brought pursuant to this section, may award costs of litigation (including attorney and expert witness fees) to any party whenever the court determines such award is appropriate. The court may, if a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction is sought, require the filing of a bond or equivalent security in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Nothing in this section shall restrict any right which any person (or class of persons) may have under chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code, under this section, or under any other statute or common law to bring an action to seek any relief against the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture or against any other person, including any action for any violation of this Act or of any regulation or permit issued under this Act or for any failure to act as required by law. Nothing in this section shall affect the jurisdiction of any court under any provision of title 28, United States Code, including any action for any violation of this Act or of any regulation or permit issued under this Act or for any failure to act as required by law.