What type of environmental laws apply to commercial real estate transactions?

Environmental laws play an important role in commercial real estate transactions in California. These laws typically relate to the risk of environmental contamination and the potential for that contamination to affect the health and safety of people who live or work near the property. The federal law known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) is the most commonly invoked environmental law in California commercial real estate transactions. CERCLA imposes strict liability on any party who owns or has owned a property that is contaminated with hazardous materials. Parties found liable under CERCLA may be held responsible for the costs of cleanup and may also be liable for damages to people’s health and property. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) also applies to commercial property transactions. This law requires developers and other property owners to assess and mitigate any potential environmental impacts that a development or activity may have on the surrounding area or environment. Finally, California’s Water Quality Control Board regulates the discharge of any pollutants into surface and groundwater sources. Any commercial property owner must ensure that they are in compliance with the standards established by this law. Overall, environmental laws can play an important role in commercial real estate transactions and it is important for buyers and sellers alike to understand how these laws may apply to them in California.

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What type of environmental laws apply to commercial real estate transactions?

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