Environmental law is a broad topic that includes state and federal statutes and regulations governing air quality, water quality, waste management, cleanup of air, water, and ground contaminants, and chemical safety in plastics, pesticides, and other consumer products. And the state and federal regulation, management, and conservation of natural resources such as forests, minerals, and fish and game often intersect with these environmental law issues.
In Texas, environmental law encompasses a variety of state and federal regulations designed to protect air and water quality, manage waste, and ensure the cleanup of contaminants. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the primary state agency responsible for enforcing environmental laws related to air quality, water quality, and waste management. Federal laws such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) set nationwide standards, which are implemented and sometimes expanded upon by state regulations. Additionally, the management and conservation of natural resources, including forests, minerals, and wildlife, are regulated by entities such as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which works in conjunction with federal agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These regulations are designed to ensure sustainable use and protection of natural resources, and they often intersect with broader environmental law issues, such as the impact of pesticides and chemicals on ecosystems. Texas also has specific statutes governing the safety of chemicals in consumer products, aligning with federal standards such as those enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
