Environmental law is a broad topic that includes state and federal statutes and regulations governing air quality, water quality, waste management, cleanup of air, water, and ground contaminants, and chemical safety in plastics, pesticides, and other consumer products. And the state and federal regulation, management, and conservation of natural resources such as forests, minerals, and fish and game often intersect with these environmental law issues.

In California, environmental law encompasses a comprehensive framework of state and federal statutes and regulations designed to protect the environment and public health. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a key state statute that requires state and local agencies to assess and disclose the environmental impacts of their actions, including construction and development projects. Air quality is regulated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which enforces state standards and works in conjunction with the federal Clean Air Act. Water quality is overseen by the State Water Resources Control Board and regional water quality control boards, which implement both state law and the federal Clean Water Act. Waste management is governed by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) along with hazardous waste regulations under the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). The cleanup of contaminants is managed through various programs, including the Superfund program at the federal level and state-led efforts. Chemical safety in consumer products is regulated under California's Proposition 65, which requires warnings for products containing chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. Additionally, the management and conservation of natural resources are overseen by agencies such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Department of Conservation, which work to ensure sustainable use and protection of the state's natural resources. These state efforts are often in conjunction with federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ensuring a collaborative approach to environmental protection and resource management.