Guide To Major Environmental Laws And Statutes

The following summaries are of the statutes governing the Clean Water Act and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.  There are scores more requirements in the regulations passed to implement these laws.  While statutes are passed by Congress or the West Virginia Legislature, regulations are passed by the agency administering the law.  From the standpoint of enforcement the main difference is that the agency is given more deference to their interpretation of a regulation.  If you find that an owner or operator is violating a regulation, there is a good chance you have an enforcement action against them as strong as if they were violating a statute.  Because this presentation is meant to be an overview, it does not include regulatory requirements.  If you want to know more or would like copies of applicable regulations under the CWA and SMCRA in West Virginia email mbecher@appalachian-center.org