Structure of Environmental Protection Laws - Explained
How Environmental Laws are Structured
Written by J. Mance Gordon
Updated at April 19th, 2024
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What is the structure of environmental protection law?
The Federal Government has promulgated numerous laws that provide a national framework for environmental protection and management. Under these frameworks, states have the ability (and sometimes requirement) to pass state standards for environmental protection. These regulations govern public and private conduct that has an effect or impact on the environment. The federal system is set up to allow multiple levels of enforcement.
Federal and state administrative agencies are charged with implementing and enforcing the various environmental laws through administrative, civil, and criminal actions. Further, individuals can bring private civil causes of action against violators of environmental laws (including actions against the federal or state government for failing to adequately enforce the environmental laws). These actions may be pursuant to a particular federal or state environmental statute or pursuant to common-law tort actions.
Related Topics
- Environmental Law (Intro)
- What are environmental laws?
- What is the structure of environmental protection law?
- What is the Environmental Protection Agency?
- How are environmental laws enforced?
- What is the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970?
- Environmental Impact Statement?
- What is the Clean Air Act?
- State Implementation Plan?
- New Source Performance Standards and New Source Review?
- Prevention of Significant Deterioration?
- Non-attainment Areas?
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- Enforcement?
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- What is the Endangered Species Act of 1973?
- What federal laws control pesticides?
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