Code of Federal Regulations Title 10. Energy § 10.1015.505 Minimum amount of referrals to the Department of Justice

(1) Litigation to collect such smaller claims is important to ensure compliance with DOE's policies or programs;

(2) The claim is being referred solely for the purpose of securing a judgment against the debtor, which will be filed as a lien against the debtor's property pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 3201 and returned to DOE for enforcement;  or

(3) The debtor has the clear ability to pay the claim and the Government effectively can enforce payment, with due regard for the exemptions available to the debtor under state and Federal law and the judicial remedies available to the Government.

(4) DOE will consult with the Financial Litigation Staff of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys in the DOJ prior to referring claims valued at less than the minimum amount.