Government at the federal, state, and local levels is currently moving holistically in a direction where officials are taking on a more direct (regulatory) role in environmental issues. Responding to this trend, this text presents an overview of the environment focused on practical regulation and management, who the players are, and how the law factors in. It details types of law (common, statutory, regulatory) and frameworks (legislative, executive, and judicial) relevant to environmental issues. The book concludes with coverage of policies and acts by application type (pollution, land use, waste, energy).

Introduction. References. Understanding the Subject Matter. Introduction. The Environment. Environmental Problems. Role of Law in Environmental Problems. Conclusion. References. Legal Frameworks in Environmental Law. Introduction. Types of Law. Hierarchy of Law. Legislative Frameworks. Executive Frameworks. Judicial Frameworks and the Role of Judicial Review. Conclusion. References. Applications of Environmental Law. Introduction. Preventive versus Reactionary Considerations. Planning for Environmental Harm: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Externalization as the Cause of Environmental Harm: Pollution. Mitigating the Impacts of Environmental Harm: Biodiversity Protection. Environmental Harm and Spatial Considerations: Land Use. ConclusionReferences. Index.