Because conservation of the earth's non-renewable resources has been a hot topic for quite some time, there is now a sect of law that deals specifically with the issues that arise; Environmental Law. Environmental Law is a complex and interlocking study of statues, common law, conventions, treaties, polices and regulations which were created to regulate the interaction of humanity and its impact on the biological world. And while, the United states have made their own strides to gaining environmental harmony, environmental law is important to earth's well being too.
Environmental Law drives on the principles of environmentalism, as well as specific studies of ecology, conservation, and overall responsibility one has to the up keeping of the earth's environment. Ever changing concerns under the umbrella of environmental law include the quality of earth's air and water. The way waste is dealt with as well as how we deal with the ever growing biodiversity of the planet.
Many countries world wide have gained impressive sets of their own set of standards in regards to environmental law, but their actual implementation has been less than successful. Earth's non-renewable resources are still being threatened. The study of environmental law has more or less been a critical way of promoting sustainability.
Environmental Law depends a lot upon public participation as well as legal implementation of statutes that have been created.
Although our environment has just recently gained the attention it rightfully deserves, Environmental law has always been an existing subject. In fact we could trace the existence of environmental law back to 1954. Congress passed the Atomic Energy Act. At the time the biggest area of concern was the competition between nations in regards to nuclear testing. Thus, Congress passed this act to ensure that all nuclear waste was disposed of properly. As long as the waste was disposed of in a smart way, the earth's atmosphere would not be at harm.
In 1970, the United States Congress passed the Clean Air Act to try and purify earth's air. As with other laws, it has been periodically under review, and as of 1990 air quality standards have tightened thus making this law almost defunct.
Just as in 1970, The Clean Water Act was passed in 1972. Again, its purpose was to set and keep standards for earth's water supply. And like the Clean Air Act, this act has been amended several times so too includes provisions regarding the hazard of oil spills. Environmental Law lawyers were the ones to amend both of these acts.
In general Environmental Law is ever changing, and needs to keep up with the times and the standards of the environment.
Environmental Law not only encompasses the safety of earth's natural resources, but Environmental Law also takes into account all of the living things that are part of earth's sustainable living environment.
For instance, in 1972, Congress passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act which seeks to protect whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, manatees, and more of earth's marine animals. Many of these animals were endangered or close to becoming extinct, that Congress thought it would be wise to try and protect them.
And most recently, Environmental Law has been a huge contender on the large scale in the United Nations. The met in 1992 and formed the Framework Convention on Climate Change. It was an international agreement for dealing broadly with climate change.
Earth's non-renewable resources have always been in jeopardy, and now is just a good a time any to raise awareness of the stress our environment is under.