Environmental Law

What is environmental law?
Environmental law is a very broad area of the law consisting of federal and state statutes, regulations, and case law relating to the prevention and cleanup of contamination of the environment--including the soil, water, and air--by chemicals, hazardous wastes, and other pollutants.

Who controls environmental law?
Environmental law is dominated, but not completely controlled, by federal and state governmental agencies.

What are some examples of environmental law suits?
Environmental law includes private actions which can be brought by citizens to force the cleanup of contamination or pollution. In addition, it can also be brought under the common law for damages to person or property resulting from contamination of water, land, or air, or exposure to harmful substances.

If I suspect my groundwater or property may be contaminated, what should I do?
You should contact your local governmental agency in charge of handling environmental pollution for assistance. If you are using groundwater as a source of drinking water, that will include the local health department. You should also contact your state environmental agency, and/or the United States Environmental Protection Agency to report the problem. It would be advisable to contact Hatch, Little & Bunn, LLP if you feel that your property, or health, have been damaged as a result of the contamination or ingestion of contaminants.

Are there any laws governing Environmental law?
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was passed in 1970 along with the Environmental Quality Improvement Act, the Environmental Education Act, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Environmental law encompasses these federal enactments that are aimed to protect the environment against both public and private actions.

What is the Environmental Protection Agency?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970 to administer environmental laws and coordinate environmental policies. Some of the many functions of the EPA are as follows:

• Establish environmental regulations;
• Set emissions standards;
• Ascertain whether chemicals propose a danger to the environment or human health; and
  
• Oversee businesses and industries throughout the country to make sure they are adhering to the environmental regulations.
  

What is the Clean Air Act?
The Clean Air Act of 1990 required the emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen, which comes from power plants, be reduced as a means of controlling acid rain. It also requires cars to use gasoline that burns cleaner and has established stricter standards regarding auto emissions.

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