Key Areas of Environmental Law

1. Air and Water Quality Environmental law regulates the pollution of air and water resources to protect public health and ecosystems. Legal services in this area include:

   • Clean Air Act Compliance: Ensuring that businesses comply with federal and state air quality standards, including emissions limits for pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter.
   • Clean Water Act Compliance: Assisting clients with compliance related to discharges into navigable waters, stormwater runoff, and water quality standards.
   • Permitting and Enforcement: Helping businesses obtain the necessary permits for emissions and discharges and representing clients in enforcement actions by regulatory agencies.

2. Hazardous Waste and Chemical Regulation Environmental law governs the management, disposal, and cleanup of hazardous waste and chemicals. Legal services include:

   • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Compliance: Advising businesses on the proper handling, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
   • Superfund/CERCLA: Representing clients in matters related to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), which governs the cleanup of contaminated sites, and allocating liability for the costs.
   • Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA): Ensuring compliance with regulations that control the manufacture, distribution, and use of toxic chemicals.

3. Endangered Species and Wildlife Protection Laws like the Endangered Species Act (ESA) protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats. Legal support includes:

   • ESA Compliance: Assisting developers and businesses in ensuring that their activities do not harm protected species or their habitats.
   • Habitat Conservation Plans: Helping clients develop plans that allow for development while still protecting critical habitats.
   • Wildlife Regulations: Advising on compliance with laws governing hunting, fishing, and the protection of marine and terrestrial wildlife.

4. Land Use and Zoning Environmental law intersects with land use and zoning regulations to ensure sustainable development and prevent environmental degradation. Legal services include:

   • Zoning and Land Use Approvals: Assisting clients in obtaining permits for development projects that comply with local zoning laws and environmental regulations.
   • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA): Conducting or reviewing environmental impact assessments to evaluate the potential effects of proposed developments on the environment.