Environmental Law: Protection and Regulation

Environmental law regulates activities affecting natural resources and public health. These laws balance economic development with environmental protection, establishing standards and enforcement mechanisms.

Clean Air Act

The Clean Air Act regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. The EPA sets national ambient air quality standards. States implement implementation plans to achieve and maintain standards.

New source performance standards establish emission limits for new and modified facilities. Title V requires operating permits for major sources. The Act addresses hazardous air pollutants, acid rain, and ozone depletion.

Clean Water Act

The Clean Water Act regulates discharges into waters of the United States. The NPDES permit system requires permits for point source discharges. Wetlands regulation protects ecologically important areas.

Section 404 permits authorize dredge and fill activities in waters and wetlands. Nonpoint source pollution from agriculture and urban runoff remains challenging to address.

Superfund

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act addresses contaminated sites. Potentially responsible parties bear cleanup costs. The EPA can order removals or remedial actions. Natural resource damages may be recovered.