What are the state environmental laws?

In Virginia, there are several state environmental laws that are designed to protect natural resources and the environment. The Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act are some of the most well-known federal environmental laws; however, Virginia also has its own laws targeting problems specific to the state. The Virginia Air Pollution Control Law regulates air pollution in the state, including standards for permissible levels of pollutants in the air. The Virginia Wetlands Act is designed to protect and preserve wetlands and other aquatic areas. The Virginia Pollution Abatement Law allows local governments to control water pollution by requiring permits for industrial and commercial development in vulnerable areas. It also prohibits the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters without a permit. The Virginia Estuarine and Coastal Zone Protection Law is designed to protect the state’s estuarine and ocean waters from pollution. It establishes standards for water quality, and for standards for the uses of the estuarine and ocean waters. The Virginia Water Quality Act established the principles to protect the quality of surface waters. It also establishes rules for how municipal, industrial, and agricultural wastewater should be managed. Finally, the Virginia Endangered Species Act is designed to protect endangered species and their habitats. It also includes programs to research and monitor the status of species under protection in the state. These state environmental laws, coupled with federal environmental laws, help to ensure that Virginians have clean air and water, and that their natural resources are protected.

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