The Force of Law: Increasingly Complexity of Environmental Problems
During the 1970s, environmental issues seemed straight-forward. Today, the increased number of chemicals that have been introduced into the environment are producing greater risks, and the complexity of the effects of those risks are better understo...
The Force of Law: Enforcing Environmental Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency is charged with ensuring compliance with the provisions and intent of the law, but it is the states that are often on the front lines of enforcement. Local police departments are the first responders. A conglomera...
The Force of Law: FIFRA and Toxic Substances
Federal pesticide statutes regulated under FIFRA apply to substances that are designed to be toxic. As part of the registration process, EPA requires that all pesticides sold in the United State be accompanied by a label describing the substances us...
The Force of Law: Enforcing Environmental Laws
The Environmental Enforcement Division of the Department of Justice works with a host of federal agencies to prosecute environmental crimes.
The Force of Law: An Unnecessary Burden?
Criticism of excessive government regulation and interference with commerce is not uncommon. But environmental regulations are in place to protect the health and safety of the public and to protect the environment for future generations.
The Force of Law: A Case of Malicious Conduct
Vince Sato of the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, Environment Protection Section, recounts a case of intentional malicious conduct by a business, which was commonplace several decades ago.
The Force of Law: Legislating Against an Environmental Pollutant
California State Senator Richard Mountjoy first became alarmed by the effects of MTBE when using newly reformulated gasoline to clean old cars parts. The new gasoline melted his rubber gloves. Assemblywoman Debra Bowen was alerted to the MTBE proble...
The Force of Law: The Long Arm of Environmental Law
The challenge of maintaining environmental integrity has gone beyond regional and national concerns; it is an international challenge. Consistent environmental policies and enforcement are necessary at an international level.
The Force of Law: Developing Environmental Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency is charged with setting appropriate environmental standards; doing so based on credible scientific research, peer review, public review, and independent of the influence of special interests.
The Force of Law: Case of Toxic Abuse, A
J. Korenzio, Department of Justice, Environmental Enforcement Division, recounts the case of two Mississippi exterminators convicted of multiple counts of criminal action for spraying methyl parathion-a restricted agricultural pesticide-in people's ...