Environmental laws include federal, state and local laws and regulations that are designed to protect the environment and public health. Businesses who handle hazardous wastes, emit pollutants to the air and water, who store petroleum and other substances in tanks all are subject to environmental statutes and regulations. In many cases to open a new operation, a business may be required to obtain environmental permits. Once a business is operating, it needs to maintain compliance with permit terms, laws and regulations that apply to those operations. Environmental lawyers advise businesses on their compliance obligations, assess liability in business and real estate transactions and represent parties in Court and before administrative agencies in permitting and enforcement matters. For further information as to how environmental laws affect businesses, please see the Attorney Tab at Federal Regulations That Affect Businesses and Regulated Parties below.