Environmental/Natural Resource Laws Overview

Environmental laws aim to protect ecosystems from harmful human actions, and to protect humans from the harmful effects of environmental pollutants. Natural resource laws regulate resources such as water, forests, and wildlife protected by the government. These laws apply at the federal, state, and local levels and are enforced by various government agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state land-management bureaus.

If you are a business owner who may have caused pollution (for example, your underground oil tank leaked), or if you want to use a natural resource for your personal use (for example, water from a river to irrigate your property), an environmental lawyer or a natural resources lawyer can help you understand the complex laws in this area and how to avoid problems. Likewise, if you suspect you are the victim of an environmental crime, such as the improper disposal of hazardous waste, a lawyer can help you determine if you are eligible for compensation.