Environment Law Explained

Environmental law has a series of treaties, regulations, representations, and common law that all systematically intertwine and work together. These series of doctrines broadly identify the reaction of humanity and the rest of the natural environment. Its purpose is to control the impact of human activity on the natural environment, as well as the impact of human activity on humanity itself. Environmental laws are ideally separated into two major areas regarding pollution and environmental remedies, as well as the management and conservation of natural resources.

Many environmental laws regarding pollution concentrate on a single element, such as air or water pollution, discussing the liabilities for those responsible for exceeding what is allowable by law as well as the responsibility for clean up.Other environmental laws regarding the conservation of resources often focus on one resource per law, such as forests, animal species, mineral deposits, and other abstract resources such as scenic areas or sights of value to archaeological research.

Environmental laws are usually influenced by principles of philosophy and social concerns of environmental conservation, as well as improving the state of the environment. Pollution control laws are implemented to protect overall human health and to preserve the natural environment.

With the Constitution being the oldest document that applies to American practices today, many note that its durability is an extension of its capability to adapt. As Americans, we presented major social and economic changes that remodeled the way we live, create, and work. Environmental protection concerns have presented significant changes in the way our Government is run. There has been the implementation of more administrative agencies, as well as national regulatory programs.

Below are a list some regulations applied to provide environmental protection:

● The Clean Air Act (CAA)1970- A Federal law that regulates air emissions. It also authorizes the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to establish quality standards protecting the society and regulate hazardous air pollutants.

● The Clean Water Act (CWA) 1972- Developed a basic structure to discharge pollutants and regulate quality in surface waters.

● The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)- Protects human health and the natural environment. Congress gave the EPA authorization to write regulations explaining what is needed to improve and implement environmental laws.

● Energy Policy Act (EPA)- Addresses the issues concerning the production of energy in the US including all aspects of energy efficiency, renewable energy, oil and gas, coal, vehicles and motor fuels, hydro power, geothermal energy, and climate change technology.

● Food Quality Protection Act (1996) - This Act was created to evaluate the levels of pesticide residues in foods to meet the standard of public health protection.

● Safe Drinking Water Act (1974)- This Act establishes the standards for safe drinking tap water requiring rules for ground water protection. Last amended in 1996 with funds established to pay for water system upgrades.

The current environmental laws that address environmental protection present a foundation for the conditions and changes brought on by American advances of technology. Many people argue, however, that the environmental laws need to be examined and intensified to be able to encompass the capacity in the way technology uses resources today.

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