This report from the Environmental Law Institute shows how and why a diverse array of state mechanisms arose over the years to combat this significant source of water degradation. Looking at all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, the institute examines several responses that state and federal decision makers can draw upon in filling regulatory gaps among the programs. Because there is no federal enforcement authority in this area, states have had to innovate and improvise. Some state laws require proof of environmental harm, entailing a difficult process to show causation. Other state laws target particular practices, including forestry, earth moving and agriculture.
Mechanisms vary within states, watershed by watershed, or activity by activity.
Chesapeake Bay A new, 16-page White Paper is now available from the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. The paper explains why air pollution is important to the Bay and discusses many of the complex issues involved in dealing with the problem.