The federal lawsuit had asked for $42 million fine for U.S. Steel under the Clean Air Act. The fire knocked out pollution controls for more than 100 days.
Judith Enck says U.S. EPA is deferring too much to Ohio agencies, which don't have enough expertise and experience in dealing with chemical emergencies.
While officials say cleanup of the creeks in East Palestine will take time, some researchers say regulators aren't testing the water for enough chemicals.
The fine is for violations at the Clairton Coke Works for the second quarter of 2022. That is in addition to more than $458,000 in fines for the first quarter.
U.S. Steel will begin closing three of its 10 remaining coke batteries at its Clairton plant later this month. It is expected to cut emissions by 15 to 20 percent.
