ENVIRONMENTAL - Laws and Attorneys

Environmental law is a large and complicated body of law made up of statutes, treaties, and agency regulations that focuses on conserving and managing natural resources, and regulating pollution. These objectives are primarily the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has the authority to pass and enforce pollution control, land use, and resource management regulations. An environmental attorney can answer any questions or address any lawsuit concerns.

Purpose of Environmental Law

An important, if not primary, purpose of the EPA is pollution control through protection of the nation's air, land, and water. Pollution control regulates the amount of air pollutants individuals or businesses may produce in the course of their operation through emission standards. These regulations directly effect drivers, farmers, any business in the transportation industry, and any other individual or business that produces waste and/or emissions into the environment. Environmental law also regulates the conservation of our natural resources and management of land use, such as the removal of trees, oil, or minerals, by regulating how much of a given resource can be removed and what individuals or companies must do in return for the right to remove them. Often, those removing natural resources must obtain permits, pay taxes, and submit to government regulations of the removal and distribution of their product.

Enforcement of Environmental Law

For the most part, a violation of environmental law in the US is a civil offense punishable by an order to compel or cease behavior, in addition to a fine. Serious violations of environmental laws can also result in criminal penalties. Any person or organization that interacts regularly with the environment in business or leisure needs to be aware of environmental laws. An environmental attorney can help a party understand and comply with regulations, and defend them in a civil or criminal suit.