DEFINITION

• Environmental Law refers to the protection of our natural resources and the regulation of the businesses that impact them.

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the main federal agency that seeks to abate and control pollution by research, monitoring, standard setting and enforcement on behalf of the environment.

• States have their own environmental protection agencies. Individual states have passed statutes similar to the federal laws, but also impose stricter standards than the federal government in some cases.

• Municipal governments can regulate environmental effects on a local scale with tools like zoning ordinances, public hearings and permits.

FIND AN ENVIRONMENTAL LAWYER IN YOUR AREA.

RELATED PRACTICE AREAS

Business & Commercial Law
Land Use & Zoning
Natural Resources Law
Toxic Torts

BUZZWORDS

Brownfields Abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.

CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.

CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) A codification of the rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the federal government. The CFR is divided into 50 titles which represent broad areas subject to federal regulation, with environmental regulations contained mainly in Title 40.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) The federal agency created in 1970 to coordinate government action to protect the environment.

Federal Register A daily publication in which the U.S. administrative agencies publish their rules and regulations, including proposed rules and regulations for public comment.

Ordinance A statute or regulation, especially one established by a municipal government.

Regulation A rule or order, having legal force, issued by an administrative agency or local government.

Superfund The program that funds and administers the cleanup of hazardous waste sites through a trust fund (financed by taxes on petroleum, chemicals and corporations), created to pay for cleanup pending reimbursement from liable parties.

Zoning The legislative division of a region, especially a municipality, into separate districts with different regulations.

PRACTICE AREA NOTES

• For small businesses, environmental laws can have a broad impact on business operations. Penalties for violating environmental laws can be severe. They may include large fines, costly cleanup requirements, and even prison terms. It's crucial for business owners to consult with lawyers before taking any action that may impact the environment.