The Judicial Branch and Environmental Law

Setting environmental standards and regulations is typically the responsibility of the executive branch or legislative branch, not the judicial branch.

The judicial branch can use injunctions, fines, and imprisonment to enforce environmental laws and regulations.

Sierra Club v. Morton, Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., and Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency are all landmark environmental law cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The primary purpose of NEPA is to require federal agencies to consider the environmental impacts of their actions.

Criminal law is not a type of environmental law.

The EPA's primary role is to set environmental standards and regulations, enforce environmental laws and regulations, and provide funding for environmental protection programs.

Litigation is not a type of environmental dispute resolution.

The Clean Air Act's primary purpose is to reduce air pollution, protect human health and the environment, and promote energy efficiency.

Risk assessment is not a type of environmental impact assessment.

The ESA's primary purpose is to protect endangered and threatened species, promote biodiversity, and provide funding for habitat conservation.

Zoning laws are not a type of environmental regulation.

The Clean Water Act's primary purpose is to protect water quality, reduce water pollution, and promote water conservation.

Building permits are not a type of environmental permit.

CERCLA's primary purpose is to clean up hazardous waste sites, compensate victims of hazardous waste contamination, and hold polluters liable for cleanup costs.

The International Court of Justice is not a type of environmental court.