With its typical bluster, Wal-Mart announced that it has begun using a new environmentally friendly refrigerant. What it failed to mention is that it recently agreed to pay a $400,000 penalty and stop selling refrigerants that contain ozone-depleting substances. Wal-Mart was cited for 20 violations of the clean air act in 11 states. ["Wal-Mart agrees to pay fine, stop selling refrigerants," Associated Press, January 23, 2004].

On May 2, 2000, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Environmental Protection Commissioner Arthur J. Rocque Jr. announced a lawsuit against Wal-Mart Stores Inc. for environmental violations related to management of stormwater at 11 stores in Connecticut. See the DEP press release, State Sues WAL-MART For Environmental Violations.

In December, 2003, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal requested a temporary injunction against three Wal-Mart stores and two Sam's Club stores for failing to obtain DEP wastewater discharge permits. The action charges that photo labs and vehicle maintenance centers were discharging oil and silver at Sam's Clubs in Manchester and Orange and at Wal-Mart stores in North Windham, Waterbury and Newington. ["State slams Wal-Mart, Sam's", Journal Inquirer, December 17, 2003].

Wal-Mart will pay a $3.1 million dollar fine in a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Justice Department. Wal-Mart was cited for improper storm water management, including failure to obtain permits, at 24 locations in 9 states. ["Wal-Mart to pay fine," Journal Inquirer, May 13, 2004.]