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 Maryland, environmental law encompasses a variety of state statutes and federal regulations designed to protect air and water quality, manage waste, and ensure the cleanup of contaminants. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is the primary state agency responsible for enforcing environmental laws and regulations. Maryland has specific regulations for air quality that align with the federal Clean Air Act, as well as water quality standards that comply with the Clean Water Act. Waste management, including the disposal and recycling of waste, is regulated under the Maryland Solid Waste Management Regulations. The state also has laws pertaining to the remediation of contaminated land, often working in conjunction with federal programs like Superfund. Additionally, Maryland regulates chemical safety in consumer products, including plastics and pesticides, through both state statutes and adherence to federal standards such as those set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Conservation of natural resources, including forests, minerals, and wildlife, is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which works to ensure sustainable use and protection of these resources. This includes enforcing hunting and fishing regulations, managing state parks and forests, and overseeing mineral extraction operations. Both state and federal laws, such as the Endangered Species Act, intersect to provide a comprehensive framework for environmental protection and natural resource conservation in Maryland.