Some permitting programs are more indirect in operation than others, such as regulating discharges to the air from automobile exhaust systems by imposing periodic car inspection standards. Federal, State, and Local Statutes Several Federal Statutes regulate conduct having significant impact to within each area of environmental concern such as air, water, wetlands, and coastal areas. For example, the Clean Air Act, the Water Pollution Control Act, and the Resource Conservation Recovery Act regulate air, water, and land activities at the federal level. See Federal Environmental Statutes for a list of important federal environmental statutes.
Most states have their own water, air, and land regulation permitting programs.
Local municipalities will, primarily through zoning and similar statutes and ordinances, regulate the activities permitted in various areas and thereby regulating the impact of such activities on the local environment. Resource Area Protection Permitting programs don't just focus on activities harmful to the environment. Some federal, state, and local programs focus on designated types of locales or specific geographic areas for heightened environmental protection. These designated areas sharply limit the kinds of activities which may occur within their boundaries. Any area deemed a wetland is then generally subject to more stringent permitting requirements.