Greenhouse gases refer to a set of naturally occurring or human generated gases that transform the atmosphere. Accumulating greenhouse gases in the atmosphere cause global warming by allowing more solar energy to reach the Earth’s surface and...
environmental law
international environmental law
International environmental law (sometimes international ecological law) is a field of international law regulating the behavior of states and international organizations concerning the environment. See: Phillipe Sands, et al, Principles of...
Lacey Act
The Lacey Act (1900) prohibits the transportation of endangered species or banned animal and plant species into the United States and across state borders. The purpose of the act is to combat trafficking of illegal wildlife and plants. The...
land use
“Land use” is a term that is used to describe the different purposes land may be used for. This includes both economic and cultural uses of land. Common types of land use include:
Agricultural Residential Industrial Commercial...liquefied natural gas rates
Liquefied natural gas rates are prices that natural gas companies charge for transportation or sale of liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG is natural gas that is cooled to its liquid state for safer and easier transportation or storage. Rates...
natural resources
Natural resources, as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (40 C.F.R.), encompass land, fish, wildlife, biota, air, water, ground water, drinking water supplies, and other such resources belonging to, managed by, held in trust by,...
open mines doctrine
The open mines doctrine is a common law doctrine in property law that permits a life tenant to commit voluntary waste on a piece of land by depleting it of natural resources. The general rule is that a life tenant should avoid committing...
pollution
Pollution is the contamination of air, water, or earth by harmful substances. Concern for pollution developed alongside concerns for the environment. The advent of automobiles, increase of chemical and nuclear wastes, and accumulation of...
prior appropriation doctrine
The prior appropriation doctrine grants rights over surface water and groundwater in order of seniority, where the first person to divert water away from its natural source and apply it for some beneficial use acquires a priority right to...
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is an act that serves mainly to regulate disposal of land-based waste, with a specific focus on hazardous land waste. The ultimate objective of the RCRA is reducing land waste and promoting...