Environmental Law

 

Environmental Enviro nmental law This article is about an area of law. For the journal the  journal,, see human health by limiting or eliminating airborne polluEnvironmental Law (law review). tant concentrations. Other initiatives are designed to adreview). dress broader ecological problems, such as limitations on layer,, and emissions and emissions tradchemicals that affect the ozone the  ozone layer Environmental law  - or “environmental and natural reing programs pro grams to address addr ess aci acid d rain or climate cli mate cha change nge.. Regsources law” - is a collective term describing the net statutes,,   regulations regulations,, and common and  common and  and ulatory efforts include identifying and categorizing air work of treaties of  treaties,,  statutes customary laws customary laws addressing the effects of human activity pollutants, setting limits on acceptable emissions levels, and dictating necessary or appropriate mitigation techon the natural the natural environm environment ent.. nologies.

1

Regulato Regulatory ry sub subjects jects 1.3

The broad category of “environmental law” may be broken down into a number of more specific specific regulatory subjects. jects. Whil Whilee there is no single agreed-up agreed-upon on taxonomy, taxonomy, the core environmental law regimes address environmental   pollution. pollution. A related related but distin distinct ct set of regulat regulatory ory regimes, now strongly influenced by environmental environmental legal principles, focus on the management of specific natural specific  natural resources,, such as forests, resources forests, minerals, or fisheries. fisheries. Other areas, such as environmental impact assessment, may not fit neatly into either category, but are nonetheless nonetheless important components of environmental environmental law.

Water ater quali quality ty

Main article: Water article:  Water quality law

Waterresource quality laws govern surface the release of, pollutants into of pollutants  into, resources s, including surface including water water,  ground water, water water and stored drinking stored drinking water. water. Some water quality laws, such as drinking water regulations, may be designed solely with refere reference nce to human health. health. Many others, others, inc includluding restrictions on the alteration of the  the   chemical, physical, radiological, and biological characteristics of water resources, resources, may also reflect efforts to protect aquatic protect  aquatic ecosystems   more more broadly. broadly. Regulato Regulatory ry effo efforts rts may include identifying and categorizing water pollutants and 1.1 Impact Impact assessm assessmen entt dictating acceptable acceptable pollutant concentrations concentrations in water resources. Regulatory areas include sewage include  sewage treatment and Main article: Environmental article:  Environmental impact assessment disposal,, industrial disposal  industrial and  and agricultural  agricultural waste  waste water management, and control of  surface runoff runoff from  from construction Environmental impact assessment is the formal process sites and urban environments. environments. used to predict the environmental consequences (positive or negative) of a plan, policy, program, or project prior to the decision to move forward with the proposed action. manageme ement nt Formal impact assessments may be governed by rules of 1.4 Waste manag administrative administrati ve procedure procedure regarding  regarding public participation article:  Waste management law and documentation of decisionmaking, and may be sub- Main article: Waste ject to judicial review. review. An impact assessment may propose measures to adjust impacts to acceptable levels or to Waste management management laws govern the transport, treatment, investigate new technological solutions. includludstorage, and disposal of all manner of   waste, waste, inc ing municipal ing  municipal solid waste waste,,  hazardous waste, waste, and nuclear and nuclear waste,, among many waste among  many other types types.. Wa Waste ste laws laws are gener1. 1.2 2 Ai Airr quali uality ty ally designed to minimize or eliminate the uncontrolled dispersal of waste materials into the environment in a Main article: Air article:  Air quality law manner that may cause ecological or biological harm, and include laws designed to reduce the generation of waste promote or mandate mandate waste rec recyc ycling. ling. Regulato Regulatory ry Air quality laws govern the emission of   air pollutants and promote into the  the   atmosphere. atmosphere. A speci specializ alized ed subset subset of air qual- efforts include identifying and categorizing waste types ity laws regulate the regulate  the quality of air inside buildings. buildings. Air and mandating transport, treatment, storage, and disposal quality laws are often designed specifically to protect practices. 1

 

2

1.5

 

Contami Contaminan nantt cleanu cleanup p

Main article: Environmental article:  Environmental cleanup law

2

IMPOR IMPORTAN TANT T PRIN PRINCIPLES  CIPLES 

harvesting. Ancilla timber harvesting. Ancillary ry laws ma mayy regulate regulate forest forest practice ices. s. For Forest est land acquisition and prescribed and  prescribed burn  burn   pract management laws generally adopt management policies, such as multiple as  multiple use and use  and sustained  sustained yield yield,, by which public forest forest resource resourcess are to be managed. managed. Governm Governmenta entall agencies are generally responsible for planning and implementing plemen ting forestry laws on public fo forest rest lands, and may be involved in forest inventory, planning, and conservation,, and overs tion oversigh ightt of timber timber sales. Broa Broader der initiativ initiatives es may seek to slow or reverse deforestation reverse deforestation..

En Envir vironm onment ental al clea cleanup nup la laws ws gove govern rn the re remo moval val of pollution   or   contaminant contaminantss from from environ environmen mental tal media media sediment,,   surface water water,, or ground or  ground water water.. such as soil as  soil,,   sediment Unlikee pollution control laws, cleanup Unlik cleanup laws are designed designed to respond respond after-th after-the-f e-fact act to environ environmen mental tal contamina contamination tion,, and conseq consequen uentl tlyy must must often often de defin finee not onl onlyy the ne nece cessa ssary ry response actions, but also the parties who may be responsible for for undertaking (or paying for) such actions. RegWildlifee and plants plants ulatory requirements may include rules for emergency 1.10 Wildlif response, liability allocation, site assessment, remedial investigation, feasibility studies, remedial action, post- Wildlife laws govern the potential impact of human activity on wild animals, whether directly directly on individuals individuals or remediall monitoring, and site reuse. remedia populations, populatio ns, or indirectly via via habitat degradation. degradation. Similar ilar laws laws may operate operate to pr prote otect ct plant spec specie ies. s. Suc Suchh laws may be enacted entirely to protect  biodiversity,  biodiversity, or 1.6 Chemic Chemical al saf safety ety as a means for protecting species deemed important for Chemical safety laws govern the use of chemicals of  chemicals in  in hu- other reasons. Regulatory efforts may including the creman activities, particularly man-made chemicals in mod- ation of special   conservation statuses, statuses, pro prohibi hibition tionss on ern industrial industrial applica application tions. s. As contrasted contrasted with mediamedia- killing, harming, or disturbing protected species, efforts oriented environmental laws (e.g., air or water quality to induce and support species recovery, establishment wildlife refuges to andtoprohibilaws), chemical controllves. laws toatory manage tial tial)) pollutants poll utants themselve themse s. seek Regulatory Regul efforts effothe rts (poteninc includ ludee of tions on trafficking insupport species conservation, or animal parts combat banning specific chemical constituents in consumer prod- poaching poaching.. A in  in plastic bottles), and regulating ucts (e.g., Bisphenol (e.g.,  Bisphenol A pesticides pesticides.. 1.11 1.1 1 Fish Fish and and game game

1.7

Water ater resourc resources es

Main article: Water article:  Water law Water resources laws govern the ownership and use of water resources, including surface  surface water and water  and ground  ground waresources, including ter.. Regulatory ter Regulatory areas areas may inc include lude water water conserva conservation tion,, use restrictions, and ownership regimes.

1.8

Minera Minerall resourc resources es

Main article: Mining article:  Mining law Mineral resource laws cover several basic topics, including the ownership of the mineral resource and who can workk them. Mining wor Mining is als alsoo affected affected by various various regulations regarding the health and safety of miners, as well as the environmental impact impact of mining.

1.9

Fores Forestt resourc resources es

Main article: Forestry article:  Forestry law

Main article: Game article:  Game law Further information: Fisheries information:  Fisheries law Fish and game laws regulate the right to pursue and take  and wild  wild animal animal (  (game game). ). Such or kill certain kinds of fish of fish and laws may restrict the days to harvest fish or game, the number of animals caught per person, the species harvested, ves ted, or the weapons weapons or fishing gear used. Such law lawss may seek needs for preservation and harvest andtotobalance managedueling both  environment and both environment  and populations  populations of fish and game. Game laws can provide provide a legal structure to collect collect license  license fees  fees and other money other money which  which is used  efforts as well as to obtain harvest to fund conservation fund  conservation efforts information info rmation used in wildlife in wildlife management practice. management practice.

2

Impor Importan tantt princ princip iples les

Environmental law has developed in response to emerging awareness of and concern over issues impacting the entire world. While laws have developed piecemeal and for a variety of reasons, some effort effort has gone into identifying key concepts and guiding principles common to en[1]

vironmental law as a whole. The principles discussed Forestry laws govern activities in designated forest designated forest lands, lands, below are not an exhaustive list and are not universally Nonetheless, they represent represent immost commonly with respect to forest to  forest management and management  and recognized or accepted. Nonetheless,

 

2.3

 

Transbou Transboundary ndary responsi responsibilit bility y

3

portant princip portant principles les for the understan understanding ding of environ environment mental al 2.3 Transboundary Transboundary responsib responsibility ility law around the world. Defined Defi ned in the intern internati ationa onall law law co conte ntext xt as an ob obli liga gatio tionn to protect one’s own environment, and to prevent damage to neighboring environments, UNEP considers transboundary responsibility at the international level as a potential 2.1 Sustainable Sustainable Develop Development ment limi limita tati tion on on the the ri righ ghts ts of the the sovereign sovereign state state..[4] La Laws ws that that  imposed upon human health and act to limit externalities limit  externalities imposed the environment may be assessed against this princip principle. le. Main article: Sustainable article:  Sustainable development Defined by the United the United Nations Environment Programme as “deve “develo lopm pmen entt that that meets meets the ne needs eds of the prese present nt withwithout compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” sustainable needs,”  sustainable development may development  may be considered together with the concepts of “integration” (deve (de velop lopment ment cannot cannot be consid considered ered in isolati isolation on from sustainability) sustainab ility) and “interdependenc “interdependence” e” (social and economic development, and environmental protection, are interdependent). [2] Laws mandating  environmental impact assessment and assessment  and requiring or encouraging development to minimize environmental impacts may be assessed against this principle. principle. The modern concept of sustainable development was a topic of discussion at the 1972 United 1972  United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm Environment  (Stockholm Conference ence), ), and the dri drivin vingg force orce be behi hind nd the 1983 1983 World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED, Development  (WCED, or Bruntland Bruntl and Commissi Commission). on). In 1992, the first first UN   Earth Summit resulted Summit  resulted in the Rio the  Rio Declaration Declaration,, Principle 3 of which whi ch reads: reads: “The righ rightt to de devel velopme opment nt must be fulfulfilled so as to equitably meet developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations.” generations.” Sustainable development has been a core concept of international environmental discussion ever since, including at the World the  World Summit on Sustainable Development (Earth Summit 2002), and the United the  United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Earth Development  (Earth Summit 2012, or Rio+20).

2. 2.2 2

Equi Equity ty

Further information: Intergenerational information:  Intergenerational equity

2.4

Public participatio participation n and transparen transparency cy

Identified as essential conditions for “accountable governments ernm ents . . ., industrial industrial conce concerns, rns,”” and organ organizat ization ionss generally, public participation and transparency are presented by UNEP as requiring “effective “effective protection of the human right to hold and express opinions and to seek, receive and impart ideas,” “a right of access to appropriate, comprehensible and timely information held by governments and industrial concerns on economic and social policies polici es regarding the the sustainable sustainable use of natural resources resources and the protection of the environment, without imposing undue und ue financ financia iall bur burde dens ns upon upon the appl applic icant antss and wi with th adeadequate protection of privacy and business confidentiality,” and “effective judicial and administrative proceedings.” These principles principles are present in environmental in environmental impact assessment,, laws requiring publication and access to relesessment vant environmental data, and administrative and administrative procedure. procedure.

2.5

Preca Precautio utionary nary princi principle ple

Main article: Precautionary article:  Precautionary principle One of the most commonly encountered and controversial principles principles of environmental environmental law, the Rio the  Rio Declaratio Declarationn formulated the precautionary principle as follows: In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according according to their ca capabiliti pabilities. es. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.

Defined by UNEP to include intergenerational equity “the right of future generations to enjoy a fair level of The principle may play a role in any debate over the need the common patrimony” - and intragenerational equity for environmental regulation. - “the right of all people within the current generation to fair access to the current generation’s entitlement to the Earth’ Earth’ss nat natura urall re resou sourc rces” es” - en envir vironm onment ental al eq equi uity ty co conn- 2.6 Pre Preve vent ntio ion n siders the present generation under an obligation to account for long-term impacts of activities, and to act to The conce concept pt of prev preventi ention on . . . can perha perhaps ps sustain the global[3]environment and resource base for future generations. Pollution control and resource management laws may be assessed against this principle.

better be considered an overarching aim that gives rise to a multitude of legal mechanisms, including prior assessment of environmental

 

4

 

harm, licensing licensing or authorization authorization that set out the conditions for operation and the consequences for violation of the conditions, as well as the adoption of strategies strategies and policies. policies. Emission limits and other product or process standards, the use of best available techniques and similar tec techni hniqu ques es can all be seen seen as ap appl plic icati ation onss of the [5] concept of prevention.

2.7

Pollute Polluterr pays pays princi principle ple

Main article: Polluter article:  Polluter pays principle

5

ARO AROUN UND D TH THE E WO WORLD  RLD 

tific uncertainty fuel the ongoing the  ongoing debate over debate over greenhouse gas regulation and are a major factor in the debate over whether to ban pesticides.[8] It is very common for regulated industry to argue against environmental regulation on the basis of cost.[9] Difficulties arise, however, in performing cost-benefit forming analysis of environmental issues. It  cost-benefit analysis of is difficult is  difficult to quantify the quantify  the value of a environmental values such as a healthy ecosystem, clean air, or species diversity. Furthermore environmental environmental issues issues may gain an ethical or moral moral dimension  dimension that would discount financial cost. Controversy is not limited to those who oppose environmen viro nmental tal regulati regulation: on: many groups take the posi position tion that current regulations are inadequately protective, and advocate for strengthening regulations.

The polluter pays principle stands for the idea that “the environmental costs of economic activities, including the cost of preventing preventing potential harm, should should be internalized 5 Arou Around nd th thee world orld rather than imposed upon society at large.”[6] All issues related to responsibility for cost for environmental for  environmental remeenvironmental laws by country also:  List of environmental diation and diation  and compliance with pollution control regulations See also: List See also: also:   List of internation international al environmental agreements involve this principle.

3

His Histo torry

5.1

Intern Internati ationa onall law law

Early examples of related legal structures can be found in Global and regional environmental issues are increasingly most areas of environmental and natural resources law. the subject of international of  international law law.. Deba Debates tes over over environenvironFurther information is available in linked resources. mental ment al concern concernss implica implicate te core princip principles les of internati international onal Notwithstanding early analogues, the concept of “envi- law and have been the subject of numerous international agreements ts and declarati declarations. ons. ronmental law” as a separate and distinct body of law is agreemen a twentieth-century development.[7] The recognition that the natural environment was fragile and in need of special legal protections, the translation of that recognition into legal structures, the developmen developmentt of those structures into a larger body of “environmental law,” and the strong influence of environmental law on natural resource laws, did not occur occur until about about the 1960s. At that that time, numerous influences - including a growing awareness of the unity and fragility of the biosphere the biosphere;; increased public con-

law is an important source of inCustomary international law is ternational environmental law. These are the norms and rules that countries follow as a matter of custom and they are so prevalent that they bind all states in the world. When a principle becomes customary law is not clear cut and many arguments are put forward by states not wishing to be bound. Examples Examples of customary customary internatio international nal law relevant to the environment include the duty to warn other oth er states states pr promp omptl tlyy about about ic icon onss of an envir environm onment ental al na-

cern over the impact of industrial activity on natural resources and human health; the increasing strength of the regulatory state; and more broadly the advent and success of environmentalis of environmentalism m as a politica politicall movement movement - coalesced to produce a huge new body of law in a relatively short sho rt period of time. While While the modern history history of environmental law is one of continuing controversy, by the end of the twentieth twentieth century environmental law had been established as a component of the legal landscape in all nations  of the world, many  developed nations of many   developing ones ones,, and the larger project of international of  international law. law.

tur turee and envir environm onment ental al dam damag ages es to which which anothe anotherr state state or sta states tes ma mayy be ex expos posed, ed, and Pri Princ ncip iple le 21 of the Stock Stockho holm lm Declaration ('good neighbourlin neighbourliness’ ess’ or sic utere).

4

Cont Contro rov ver ersy sy

agreements   enNumerous  legally binding international agreements compass a wide variety of issue-areas, from terrestrial, marinee and atmos marin atmosphe pheric ric pollutio pollutionn throu through gh to wildlif wildlifee and biodiversity biodiversity protection. protection. International environme environmenntal agreements are generally  generally   multilateral multilateral (or  (or sometimes bilateral)   treaties bilateral) treaties   (a.k.a. conve convention, ntion, agreement, agreement, proto are subsidiary agreements built from col, etc.). Protocols etc.).  Protocols are a primary treaty. treaty. They They exist in many areas of international law but are especially useful in the environmental field, where they may be used to regularly incorporate recent scientific scientific knowledge. They also permit countries to reach agreement on a framework that would be con-

Environmental law is a continuing source of controv Environmental controversy. ersy. ten tentio tious us if every every detai detaill we were re to be agreed agreed upo uponn in advan advance ce.. Debates over the necessity, fairness, and cost of envi- The most widel widelyy known known proto protocol col in internati international onal environ environ-Protocol,, which followed from ronmental regulation regulation are ongoing. Allegations Allegations of scien- mental law is the Kyoto the  Kyoto Protocol

 

5. 5.3 3

 

Amer Americ icas  as 

5

 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate draft legislation and decrees pertinent to environmental the the United management, collection of data both nationally and inChange.. Change ternationallyy on the state of the environment, environment, preparation While the bodies that proposed, argued, agreed upon and ternationall ultimately adopted existing international agreements vary of periodical reports and studies on the state of the environment, ent, formu ormulati lation on of the national national plan and its projec projects, ts, accordi acc ording ng to each each agreeme agreement, nt, certain certain confere conference nces, s, inc includlud- ronm ing 1972’s United 1972’s United Nations Conference on the Human En- preparation of environmental profiles for new and urban vironment,, 1983’s World vironment 1983’s  World Commission on Environment areas, and setting of standards to be used in planning for and Development, Development, 1992’s United 1992’s United Nations Conference on their development, and preparation of an annual report on the state of the environment to be prepared to the Environment Environme nt and Deve Development lopment and  and 2002’s 2002’s World Sum- President.”[14] mit on Sustainable Development Development have  have been World particularly  Multilateral environmental agreements someimportant. Multilateral important. agreements sometimes create an International Organization, Institution or 5.2 5.2.2 .2 South South Af Afri rica ca Body responsible for implementing the agreement. Major examples are the Convention the  Convention on International Trade Main article: South article:  South African environmental law in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Flora  (CITES) and the International the  International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 5.3 Amer Americ icas as International environmental law also includes the opin- 5.3 ion ionss of internation international al courts and tribunal tribunals. s. While While there there are few and they have limited authority, the decisions carry much weight with legal commentators and are quite influential on the development of international environmental men tal law. One of the bigges biggestt challenges challenges in internainternational decisions is to determine an adequate compensation for environmental damages.[10] The courts include the the International  International Court of Justice Justice (ICJ);  (ICJ); the international Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS); the European the  European Court of Justice; Justice;  European Court of Human Rights[11] and other regional treaty tribunals.

5. 5.3. 3.1 1

The Brazilian government created the Ministry the  Ministry of Environment in vironment  in 1992 in order to develop better strategies of protecting the environment, use natural resources sustainably, and enforce public environmental tainably, environmental policies. The Ministry of Environment has authority over policies involving environment, water resources, preservation, and environmental environm ental programs involving involving the t he Amazon.[15] 5. 5.3. 3.2 2

5. 5.2 2

Afri Africa ca

According to the According the International  International Network for Environmental Comp Complia liance nce and Enf Enforc orceme ement nt (IN (INECE ECE), ), the ma majo jorr environmental issues in Africa are “drought and flooding, air pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, freshwater availability, degradation of soil and vegetation, and widespread wides pread poverty.”   [12] The The U.S.  U.S. Environmental Protection Agencypollution, Agency (EPA)  (EPA) is water focused on theelectronic “growing urban and industrial quality, waste   [13] They hope to proand indoor air from cookstoves.” vide enough aid on concerns regarding pollution before their impacts contaminate the African environment as well as the global environment. By doing so, they intend to “protect human health, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and the poor.”   [13] In order to accomplish these goals in Africa, EPA programs are focusedd on strengthe cuse strengthening ning the ability ability to enforc enforcee environ environmenmental laws as well as public compliance compliance to them. Other programs work on developing stronger environmental laws, regulations, regulatio ns, and standards.[13] Egyp Egyptt

Ca Cana nada da

The Department of the Environment Act establishe The Department Act  establishess the Department of the Environme Environment nt in  in the Canadian governgovernment as well as the position Minister position  Minister of the Environment. Environment . Their duties include “the preservation and enhancement of the quali quality ty of the natura naturall envir environm onment ent,, inclu includin dingg wa water ter,, air and soil quality; quality; re rene newab wable le resource resources, s, inc includi luding ng migramigratory birds and other non-domestic flora and fauna; water; The Environmental  Environmental Protecmeteorology; meteorolo gy; extquotedbl extquotedbl[16] The tion Ac Actt is the main main pi piece ece of Canadi Canadian an envir environm onmen ental tal leglegislatio islationn that was put into place place Marc Marchh 31, 2000. The Act focuses on “respecting pollution prevention and the protection of the environment and human health in order to contribute to sustainable development.”[17] Other principle federal statutes include the Canadian the  Canadian Environme Environmenntal Assessment Act, Act, and the Species the  Species at Risk Act Act.. When provincial and federal legislation are in conflict federal legislation takes precedence, that being said individual provinces can have their own legislation such as Ontario’s Environmental Rights, and Clean and Clean Water Act. Act. Environmental Bill of Rights, 5.3.3 5.3 .3

5.2. 5.2.1 1

Br Braz azil il

Ecuad Ecuador or

With the enactment of the 2008 the  2008 Constitution, Constitution,   Ecuador

became the first country in the world to codify the Rights the Rights Law outlines  outlines the respon- of Nature. Nature. The Constitution, specifi specifically cally Artic Articles les 10 and The  Environmental Protection Law The Environmental sibilities of the Egyptian government to “preparation of 71-74, recognizes the inalienable rights of ecosystems of ecosystems to  to

 

6

 

exist and flourish, gives people the authority to petition on the behalf behalf of ecosyste ecosystems, ms, and and require requiress the governm government ent to remedy violations of these rights. The rights approach is a break away from traditional environmental regulatory systems, which regard nature as property and legalize and manage degradation of the environment rather than prevent it.[18] The Rights of Nature articles in Ecuador’s constitution are part of asocial reaction to omena. a combination of political, nomic, nomi c, and phenome phen na. Ecuador’s Ecuador’s abusiv abusivee ecopast with the oil the oil industry industry,, most famously the class-action the class-action litigation against gation  against Chevron  Chevron,, and the failure of an extractionreforms to bring bring economi economicc based bas ed econo economy my and neoliberal reforms prosperity to the region has resulted in the election of a New Leftist regime, led by President Rafael President  Rafael Correa Correa,, and sparked a demand for new approaches to development. In conjunction with this need, the principle of “Buen Vivir,” or good living—focused living—focused on social, environmental environmental and spiritual wealth versus material wealth—gained wealth—gained popularity among citizens and was incorporated into the new constitution. [19] The influence of indigenous groups, from whom the concept cept of “Buen “Buen Vivir Vivir”” ori origin ginate ates, s, in the form orming ingof of the co connstitutional ideals also facilitated the incorporation of the Rights of Nature as a basic tenet of their culture and conceptualization ceptualiza tion of “Buen Vivir.”  [20] 5.3.4 5.3 .4

Unite United d States States

Main article: United article:  United States environmental law

5.4

Asia

The Asian Environmental Compliance and Enforcement The Asian Network (AECEN) Network  (AECEN) is an agreement between 16 Asian countries dedicated to improving cooperation with environmental laws laws in Asia. These countries countries include Cambodia, China, Indonesia, India, Maldives, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Lao PDR. [21] 5.4. 5.4.1 1

Ch Chin ina a

See also:   Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People’s Peopl e’s Republic of China According to the U.S. Environmental U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Agency, “China has been working with great determination in recent years to develop, implement, and enforce a solid environ env ironmen mental tal law fr frame amewor work. k. Chinese Chinese officials officials face critical challenges in effectively implementing the laws,

5

ARO AROUN UND D TH THE E WO WORLD  RLD 

China has led to significant to  significant environmental degradation, degradation, and China is currently currently in the process of developing more stringent strin gent legal legal cont control rols. s.[23] The harmoniz harmonizatio ationn of Chinese Chinese society and the natural environment is billed as one of the country’s top national priorities. priorities.[24][25] 5. 5.4. 4.2 2

Indi India a

In Indi India, a, En Envi viro ronm nmen enta tal l law la1986. w is. This go gove vern rned ed by the the Environment Protection Act, act is enforced 1986 by the Central Pollution Control Board and the numerous Statee Polluti Stat Pollution on Control Board Boards. s. Apart fr from om this, there there are also individual legislations specifically enacted for the protecti protection on of Water, Water, Air, Wildlif Wildlife, e, etc. Such leg leg-islations include the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Polluti on) Act, 1974; the Water (Prevention (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977; the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; the Air (Prevention (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the Wild Life Life Protection Protection Act, Act, 1972. The National National Green Green Tribunal established under the National the  National Green Tribunal Act of 2010 has 2010 has jurisdiction over all environmental cases dealing dea ling with a substan substantial tial environ environmen mental tal que questi stion on and acts covered under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; the Water (Prevention and Control of Polluti Pol lution) on) Cess Act, Act, 1977; the Forest Forest (Con (Conserv servatio ation) n) Act, Act, 1980; the Air (Prevention (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 and the Biological Biologi cal Diversity Diversity Act, 2002. The acts covered under Indian Wild Life Protection Act 1972 1972 do  do not fall within the jurisdiction of the National Green Tribunal. Appeals can be filed in the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India. 5. 5.4. 4.3 3

Japa Japan n

The  Basic Environmental Law  is the basic structure of The Basic Japan’s environmental policies replacing the Basic the  Basic Law for Environme Environmental ntal Pollution Control and the Na the Nature ture Conservation Law. Law. The updated law aims to address “global environmental problems, urban pollution by everyday environmental life, loss of accessible natural environment in urban areas and degrading environmental protection capacity in forests and farmlands.”[26] The three basic environmental principles that the Basic En Envir vironm onment ental al La Law w foll ollow owss are “th “thee bless blessing ingss of the envienvironment should be enjoyed by the present generation and succeeded to the future generations, a sustainable society should be created where environmental loads by human activities activi ties are minimized, and Japan should should contribute actively to global environmental conservation through international cooperation.”[26] From these principles, the Japanese government have established policies such as “environmental consideration in policy formulation, establishment of the Basic Environment Plan which de-

clarifying the roles of their national and provincial gov- scribes the directions of long-term environmental polernments, and strengthening the operation of their legal icy, environmental impact assessment for development system.”[22] Explosive economic and industrial growth in projects, economic measures to encourage activities for

 

5. 5.6 6

Ocea Oceani nia a

reducing environmental load, improvement of social infrastructure frastruc ture such as sewerage sewerage system, transport facilities etc., promotion of environmental activities by corporations, citizens and NGOs, environmental education, and provision of information, promotion of science and technology.” [26]

  5. 5.5. 5.2 2

7 Russ Russia ia

The  Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment The Ministry Environment of  of the Russian Federation Federation makes regulation regarding “conservation of natural resources, including the subsoil, water bodies, forests located in designated conservation areas, fauna and their habitat, in the field of hunting, hydrometeorology and related areas, environmental mon5.4.4 5.4 .4 Mi Middl ddlee Eas Eastt itoring and pollution control, including radiation monitoring itor ing and con control, trol, and function functionss of public public environenvironThe U.S. Environmental U.S.  Environmental Protection Agency Agency is  is working mental policy making and implementation and statutory with countries in the Middle the  Middle East to East  to improve “environ- regulation.” [29] mental governance, water pollution and water security, clean fuels and vehicles, public participation, and pollution prevention.”[27] 5.6 5.6 Ocea Oceani nia a 5.4.5 5.4 .5

Vietna Vietnam m

Vi Vieetn tnam am is cur urrrent ntlly workin rkingg with with th thee U.S .S.. Environmenta Environm entall Prote Protecti ction on Age Agenc ncyy   on diox dioxin in re reme me-di diati ation on and tec techni hnica call assis assistan tance ce in orde orderr to lo lowe werr me meth than anee emis emissi sion ons. s. On March March 2002, 2002, th thee U.S U.S and and Vi Vietn etnam am si signe gnedd the U.S.-V U.S.-Vie ietna tnam m Memor Memorand andum um of Understanding on Research on Human Health and the Environmental Environme ntal Effects of Agent Orange/Dioxin.[28]

5. 5.5 5

Euro Europe pe

5.5.1

Euro European pean Union Union

The European Union issues The European Union  issues secondary legislation on environmental issues that are valid throughout the EU (so called regulations) and many directives that must be implemented into national legislation from the 28 member statess (national state (national states). states). Examples Examples are the Regulatio Regulationn (EC) No. 338/97 on the implementation of CITES or the Directivee 92/43/EEC on Fauna-Flora-Habitat. rectiv Fauna-Flora-Habitat. EU legislation is ruled in Article 249 Treaty for the Functioning of theEuropea theEurop eann Unio Unionn (TFEU) (TFEU).. To Topi pics cs for co commo mmonn EU le leggislationn are: islatio •

 Climate change

•

 Air pollution

•

 Water protection and management

•

  Waste management

•

  Soil protection

•

 Protection of nature, species and biodiversity

•

 Noise pollution

•

•

The main main co conc ncern ernss on envir environm onment ental al iss issues ues in the Oceanic Region are “illegal releases releases of air and water pollutants, illegal logging/timber trade, illegal shipment of hazardous wastes, including e-waste and ships slated for destruction, destructi on, and insuffic insufficient ient institutional structure/lack of enf enforceme orcement nt capacity”. capacity”.[30] The   Secreta Secretariat riat of the Pacificc Regional Environmental Programme   (SPREP) Pacifi is an international organization between Australia, the Cook FMS,Zealand, Fiji, France, Marshall Islands, Islands, Nauru, New Niue,Kiribati, Palau, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Solo mon Island, To Tonga, nga, Tuvalu, Tuvalu, USA, USA, and Va Vanuat nuatu. u. The SPREP SPREP wa wass estab establis lishe hedd in order order to provi provide de assistance in improving and protecting the environment as well well as assu assure re sus sustaina tainable ble devel developm opment ent for fut future ure [31][32] generations. 5.6.1 5.6 .1

Austr Australi alia a

The Environment Protection and Biodive The Environment Biodiversity rsity Conservation Act 1999 is 1999 is the center piece of environmental legislation lati on in the Australi Australian an Governmen Government. t. It sets up the “legal framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage places”.[33] It also focuses on protecting world heritage properties, national heritage properties, wetlands of international importance, nationally threatened species and ecological communities, migratory species, Commonwealth marine areas, Great areas, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Park, and the environment surrounding nuclear activities.[33] 5.6.2 5.6 .2

Ne New w Zealan Zealand d

Main article: New article:  New Zealand environmental law

The Ministry for the The Ministry t he Environment and Environment and Office  Office of the ParEnvironment  were es  Cooperation for the environment with third coun- liamentary Commissioner for the Environment were tablished tablish ed by the Environment the Environment Act 1986. 1986. These positions tries (other than EU member states) are responsible for advising the Minister on all areas of   Civil protection environ env ironmen mental tal legislati legislation. on. A common theme theme of New

 

8

 

6

RE REFE FERE RENC NCES  ES 

Zealand’s environmental legislation is sustainably manag- [19] Gudynas, Gudynas, Edu Eduardo. ardo. 2011. Buen Vi Vivir: vir: Toda Today’s y’s TomorTomorrow Development 54(4):441-447. ing natural and physical resources, fisheries, and forests. Resource urce Mana Managem gement ent Ac Actt 1991 is th thee main main piec piecee of The Reso Indigenous Mov Movements, ements, and environmental legislation that outlines the government’s [20] Becker, Marc. 2011 Correa, Indigenous the Writing of a New Constitution in Ecuador.   Latin strategy stra tegy to managing managing the “enviro “environmen nment, t, includi including ng air, wa 38(1):47-62. American Perspectives  38(1):47-62. ter soil, biodiversity, the coastal environment, noise, subdivision, divisi on, and land use planning in general.”[34] [21]   “AECEN”. “AECEN”. Retrieved October 18, 2012.  China Environmenta Environmentall Law Initiativ Initiativee. [22] EP EPA, A, China

6 6.1

Ref Refer eren ence cess Note otes

[23] Ve Vermont rmont Law School, School, China  China Partn Partnershi ershipp fo forr Envi Environme ronmenntal Law; Law; C. McElwee, McElwee, Environmental  Environmental Law in China: Mitigating Risk and Ensuring Compliance Compliance..

[24] NRDC, Environmental NRDC, Environmental Law in China China.. Nations ons Envi Environme ronment nt Pro[1] For ex examp ample, le, the   United United Nati gramme   (UNEP) has identified eleven “emerging prin- [25] Wang, gramme Wang, Alex (2013). (2013).  “The Search for Sustainable Legitciples and concepts” in international environmental law, imacy: Environmental Law and Bureaucracy Bureaucracy in China”. China”. derived from the 1972 the  1972 Stockholm Conference Conference,, the 1992 the  1992 Review  37 : 365. Harvard Environmental Law Review 37 Rio Declaration, Declaration, and more recent developments. UNEP, Law”.. Retrie Retrieved ved 23 Octob October er Training ning Manua Manuall on Intern Internatio ational nal Envi Environme ronmental ntal Law [26]   “The Basic Environment Law” Trai 2012. (Chapter 3). [2]  UNEP Manual, Manual, ¶¶ 12-19.

Agency. [27]  “EPA Middle East”. East”. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved 23 October 2012.

[3]  UNEP Manual, Manual, ¶¶ 20-23. [4]  UNEP Manual, Manual, ¶¶ 24-28. [5]  UNEP Manual, Manual, ¶¶ 58. 16; UNEP Manual Manual ¶  ¶ 63. [6]  Rio Declaration Principle Declaration Principle 16; UNEP [7] See generall generallyy R. Lazarus, The Lazarus, The Making of Environmental Law (Cambridge (Cambridge Press 2004) 2004);; P. Gates, History Gates, History of Public Land Law Development. Development.  DDT.. [8] See, e.g., e.g., DDT [9] In the United States, estimates estimates of environmental regulation’s total costs reach 2% of GDP of  GDP.. See Pizer See  Pizer & Kopp, Calculati Calc ulating ng the Costs of Envi Environme ronmental ntal Regulation, Regulation, 1 (2003 Resources for the Future). Future) .

[28]   “Vietnam International Programs”. Programs”. Environme Environmental ntal ProProtection Agency. Retrieved October 18, 2012. [29]  “Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation”. Federation”. Retrieved 23 October 2012. [30]  “INECE Regions - Asia and the Pacific”. Pacific”. Retrieved October 18, 2012. “Agreemen eementt Esta Establis blishing hing SPREP” SPREP”.. Retrieve Retrievedd October October 18, [31]   “Agr 2012. [32 [32]] Tayl Taylor, or, Prue; Prue; Stroud Stroud,, Luc Lucy; y; Pe Peter teru, u, Cla Clark rk (2013). (2013). Multilateral Environmental Agreement Negotiator’s Handbook: Paci Pacific fic Region 2013. Samoa / New Zealand: Sec-

retariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme / New Zealand Centre for Environmental Law, University of Auckland. ISBN Auckland.  ISBN 978-982-04-0475-5. 978-982-04-0475-5.

[10 [10]] Hardma Hardmann Rei Reis, s, T.,   Comp Compensa ensation tion for Env Environ ironmenta mental l  Damages Under International Law, Kluwer Law International, The Hague, 2011, ISBN 2011, ISBN 978-90-411-3437-0. 978-90-411-3437-0. [11]  “ECtHR case-law factsheet on environment” (PDF). environment”  (PDF). Retrieved 2012-11-08.

[33]  “EPBC Act”. Act”. Retrieved October 18, 2012. Environment”.. Retri Retrieve evedd 23 October October [34]   “Ministry for the Environment” 2012.

[12]  “INECE Regions- Africa”. Africa”. Retrieved 18 October 2012. [13]  “Africa International Programs”. Programs”. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved October 18, 2012.

6.2 •

[14]  “Law 4”. 4”. Retrieved 23 October 2012. [15]   “Apresentação”. “Apresentação”. Retrieved 23 October 2012. •

[16]  “Department of the Environment Act”. Act” . Retrieved 23 October 2012. [17]  “Environment Canada”. Canada”. Retrieved 23 October 2012. [1 [18] 8] Comm Communi unity ty Envi Enviro ronm nmen enta tall Lega Legall Def Defense ense Fund Fund (CELDF). 2008.   http://www.celdf.org/, http://www.celdf.org/, accessed April, 2012.

•

Furth Further er readi reading ng  Farber & Carlson, eds. (2013).  Cases and Materials  on Environmental Law, 9th. We West st Academic Academic Pub978-0314283986.. lishing. 1008 pp. ISBN pp.  ISBN 978-0314283986   Akhatov, Aydar Aydar (1996).  (1996).   Ecology & Internation International  al  pp.  ISBN 5-214Law. Мoscow: АST-PRESS. 512 pp. ISBN 00225-4 (English) 00225-4  (English) / (Russian)   Faure, Michael, Michael, and Niels Niels Philipsen, Philipsen, eds. (2014). Environmental Law & European Law. The Hague:

Eleven Internati Eleven International onal Pub Publis lishing. hing. 142 pp.   ISBN 9789462360754 (English) 9789462360754  (English)

 

6.3

6.3

Extern External al links  links 

Exte Extern rnal al links links

International •

  United Nations Nations Environment Programme

•

  ECOLEX ECOLEX (Gateway  (Gateway to Environmental Law)

•

 Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide(E-LAW)

•

 Centre for International Environmental Law

•

•

•

 Wildlife Interest Group, American Society of International Law  EarthRights International   Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense

•

 United Kingdom Environmental Law Association

•

  Lexadin global global law database

•

  Upholdi Upholding ng Environmental Laws Laws in Asia and the Pacific

United States •

American an Bar Association Section of Environment,   Americ Energy and Resources

•

 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

•

  Environme Environmental ntal Law Institute (ELI)

•

 EarthJustice

Canada •

 W West est Coas Coastt Envi Environm ronmental ental Law   (non-profit (non-profit law firm)

•

 Ecojustice Environmental Law Association   Canadian Environmental

•

  Environme Environmental ntal Law Centre (of Alberta)

•

European Union •

  Europa: Envi Environm ronmental entalrule ruless of the Europ European ean Uni Union on

•

 Europa: Summaries of Legislation - Environment

 

9

 

10

 

7

7

TEXT TEXT AND IMAGE IMAGE SOURC SOURCES, ES, CONT CONTRIB RIBUTORS, UTORS, AND LICEN LICENSES  SES 

Text Text a and nd im image age sour sources, ces, ccont ontrib ributo utors, rs, an and d li licens censes es

7.1 •

Text   Environmental law   Source:    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_law?oldid=627854300  Contributors:    Bryan Derksen, Subtle

Trouble, SimonP, Mintguy, Netesq, Lexor, Mac, Alex756, Nilmerg, Rholton, Sunray, Alan Liefting, JamesMLane, Guanaco, JRR Trollkien, Gadfium, Joeblakesley, Joeblakesley, Mike Rosoft, D6, Rich Farmbrough, Vsmith, YUL89YYZ, Forbsey, Sole Soul, Bobo192, Sortior, Smalljim, La goutte de pluie, Wikidea, Simone, Hard Raspy Sci, Graham87, Wikix, JRodz15, Ground Zero, Old Moonraker, DVdm, Wavelength, Stephenb, Joel7687, Zwobot, Stefeyboy, Icydesign, Arthur Rubin, Chriswaterguy, Yakoo, Sardanaphalus, SmackBot, Asm76, Ohnoitsjamie, Fluri, Sadads, Richard001, DMacks, Ctj, Zymurgy, Anlace, Mbeychok, Ckatz, Beetstra, Hu12, CapitalR, Emote, Eastlaw, Lamiot, Rambam rashi, Mewmew sakura, GeorgeLouis, Jasonrflanders, Shizane, Npollard, Zer0faults, Redkern, Alphabet55,minal23, Harryzilber, Barek, MER-C,Bluxed, Acroteri Acroterion, on, PrincessC PrincessCaitla aitlai, i, JNW, Nposs, 28421u 28421u2232nf 2232nfenf enfcenc cenc,, Trin Trinich ichery eryl, l, Fusea Fuseau, u, R'n'B,Superlu R'n'B,Superluminal 23, Rober RobertsontsonGlasgow, Comp25, DASonnenfeld, DASonnenfeld, Synthebot, Brianga, Monty845, Sue Rangell, Coopj, Scottywong, YURiN, SieBot, MeegsC, Nopetro, Jdaloner, Bot-iww, Bowei Huang 2, JL-Bot, Mrfebruary, ClueBot, Elflaw, Fyyer, LizardJr8, Pumpmeup, Moreau1, Totie, Thunderstix, Thardmanbr, XLinkBot, Envirolaw, Feministo, Addbot, Some jerk on the Internet, Metagraph, Marx01, MrOllie, Zorrobot, AeroTraveler, Caroltroberts, Legobot, Luckas-bot, Yobot, Themfromspace, Ptbotgourou, CIELAP, Eduen, Jim1138, Materialscientist, Ado2102, Obersachsebot, Ababich, TechBot, Shadowjams, Linharmon, Jack B108, FrescoBot, NSWEDO, Oregonlawprof, Renewolf, Endofskull, Callanecc, LilyKitty, CTrux23, Tommyg23, Bento00, Yca.zuback, AlexaxelA, Beddowve, Donner60, ClueBot NG, AznBurger, Jmparish, Sean.giambattista, Ztruidium, Tchiwastchiwas, Hle37, Gbfalcone, Helpful Pixie Bot, Veritas484, Swotgurll, FanteA, Ugncreative Usergname, Tomasz Raburski, WestOstWind, Jdquirke, ChrisGualtieri, SD5bot, AK456, Raadahmood, Hmainsbot1, Mogism, Eur lex, Reecelw, Sabatiersampa, Agunnik8, Evans.matthew.w, JUK845, Monkbot, U5872e1i, Wikilaw237, LuluStro, Akshay274 and Anonymous: 202

7. 7.2 2 •

•

•

•

Ima Images ges   File:CHINTREUIL_ File:CHINTREUIL_-_Le_Boulot_blanc -_Le_Boulot_blanc.JPG .JPG   Source:    http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/CHINTREUIL_-_Le_   Public domain  Contributors:  Own  Own work  Original artist:  PHILDIC   PHILDIC Boulot_blanc.JPG License:  Public   File:Commons-logo.svg Source:   http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg  License:  ?  ?  Contributors:  ?  ?  Original  artist:  ?  ?   File:Folder_H File:Folder_Hexagonal_I exagonal_Icon.svg con.svg Source:  http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/48/Folder_Hexagonal_Icon.svg  License:   ?   Contributors:   ??  Original artist:  ?  ?   File:Portal-puzzle.svg Source:  http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fd/Portal-puzzle.svg   http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fd/Portal-puzzle.svg License:  ?  ?  Contributors:  ?  ?  Originalartist: 

? •

•

7.3 •

  File:Scale_of File:Scale_of_justice_2.svg _justice_2.svg Source:  http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/Scale_of_justice_2.svg  License:  Public domain Contributors:  Own  Own work  Original artist:   DTR DTR   File:The_Earth_ File:The_Earth_seen_from_A seen_from_Apollo_17.jpg pollo_17.jpg   Source:    http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/The_Earth_seen_from_ Apollo_17.jpg License:  Public  Public domain Contributors:   http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/115334main_image_feature_329_ys_full.jpg http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/115334main_image_feature_329_ys_full.jpg Original artist:  NASA/Apollo  Harrison Schmitt or  Ron Evans  NASA/Apollo 17 crew; taken by either either Harrison Schmitt or Ron

Conten Contentt lic licen ense se Creativee Commons Attribution-Share Attribution-Share Alike 3.0   Creativ