Energy and natural resources law includes a broad range of legal issues related to natural resources; their use as a source of energy; and their use in many important products and materials.
Examples of natural resources include oil (petroleum), natural gas, minerals, solar, wind, water, geothermal, biomass, electric, hydrogen and fuel cells, nuclear, trees, cotton, coal, iron ore, gold, copper, manganese, bauxite ore, cobalt, platinum, chromium, and diamonds.
As with other legal topics, some legal issues related to energy and natural resources law may also be categorized under another legal topic name, such as environmental law, water law, or oil, gas, and minerals law, for example.
In Florida, energy and natural resources law encompasses a variety of statutes and regulations that govern the extraction, use, and conservation of natural resources, as well as the production and regulation of energy. The state has specific laws that address the management of oil and gas, such as the Oil and Gas Conservation Act, which regulates drilling activities and promotes resource conservation. Florida also has laws pertaining to the development of renewable energy sources, including solar and wind energy, which are supported by incentives and programs to encourage their use. Environmental protection is a key aspect of natural resources law in Florida, with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) playing a central role in enforcing regulations that protect the state's ecosystems while balancing the demands of growth and development. Water law is particularly significant in Florida due to its extensive coastline and wetlands, with statutes like the Florida Water Resources Act regulating the use and protection of the state's water resources. Additionally, Florida's Public Service Commission regulates utilities and the provision of electric services, ensuring reliable and reasonably priced electricity for consumers. It's important to note that federal laws, such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, also apply and interact with state regulations to govern the broader aspects of environmental protection and resource management.