Maintaining a clean and safe environment free from environmental hazards is a major priority in the United States. From the Clean Air Act to Wetlands Protection to CERCLA and beyond, both state and federal legislatures have passed extensive amounts of legislation designed to ensure that the environment is protected, damage is minimized, and natural resources are protected. If you are concerned about environmental hazards and the risks of exposure to toxins, there are numerous resources available to help you learn what your options are.
For many people, one of the primary concerns when seeking environmental information is determining if they are being exposed to any environmental hazards. To determine if there are hazards near your residence, you can visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website's Community Search tool. The EPA website allows you to simply enter your zipcode and obtain a great deal of information about your area, including details about any cleanups of toxic sites nearby.
If you are interested in general information about federal environmental laws in the United States or if you have concerns about a potential violation of federal rules, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is often your best source of information. Their website provides details about the EPA’s purpose and actions, as well as contact information for the ten regional EPA offices.
The Senate has also published a website with links containing PDF versions of various public laws relating to protection of the environment. The comprehensive list includes the text of acts such as the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
In addition to the EPA, every state has at least one department or agency tasked with enforcing environmental laws within the state's borders. In fact, many states have more than one agency or department for this purpose. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website is again the best place to find information about these agencies - they have a consolidated list with links to every individual state's agencies.
For the most specific information about regulations where you live, you should visit the website for your state's agency or department, which you can access from the EPA list above. These agencies may be standalone agencies or may be divisions of the department of health in your area. Their websites will provide you with an overview of local and state laws as well as the aims and powers of the state agency. Contact information for your local or regional offices should be available as well.
In addition to governmental agencies, there are many private groups that have an interest in environmental protection and that can provide you with additional information about environmental causes. Examples of organizations you may obtain information from include the Sierra Club, Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace. There are also regional and local organizations, such as the Siskiyou Regional Educational Project.
For more information see the other various articles and answers to frequently asked questions in the Environmental Law section of FreeAdvice.