Environmental Laws and Regulations

Abstract In the United States, most environmental legislation consists of federal legislation that has been enacted within the last 40 years. In addition, there are many state environmental laws and regulations that have been patterned after—and work together with—the federal programs. Federal legislation is, however, the basis for the development of regulations designed to protect our air, water, and food supply, and to control pollutant discharge. Major environmental laws will be covered in this chapter.