When the U.S. Congress writes an environmental law, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implements it by writing regulations. Often, the EPA sets national standards that each of the states and tribes enforce through their own regulations. If states and tribes fail to meet the national standards, the EPA can help them. The EPA also enforces its regulations and helps businesses understand the requirements.

Businesses and industries with operations that may impact the environment are often subject to regulations written by the EPA. Some examples of businesses and industries subject to EPA regulations include:

• Agriculture

• Automotive

• Construction

• Electric Utilities

• Oil & Gas

• Transportation

• Dry Cleaning

• Education/Schools

• Forestry & Logging

• Health Care & Social Assistance

• Mining

• Manufacturing

• Water & Sewage Utilities

• Public Administration & Government

Businesses in these and other industries must comply with applicable environmental laws and EPA regulations—as well as state environmental laws and regulations. In addition to compliance with environmental laws and regulations, businesses in these industries often must address environmental matters when buying and selling their businesses and entering into transactions for products and services. For example, it is often important in such transactions to allocate risks and costs related to environmental cleanup, compliance, and other issues.

In Alaska, as in other states, businesses and industries that may impact the environment are subject to both federal and state environmental regulations. The U.S. Congress passes environmental laws, which are then implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through specific regulations. The EPA sets national standards that states are responsible for enforcing through their own regulations. If Alaska fails to meet these national standards, the EPA can step in to assist. The EPA also plays a role in ensuring compliance and helping businesses understand their obligations. Industries such as agriculture, automotive, construction, utilities, oil & gas, transportation, and many others must adhere to these regulations. In Alaska, businesses must comply with EPA regulations as well as any additional state-specific environmental laws. This compliance extends to various business activities, including transactions involving the purchase and sale of businesses, where environmental risks and costs, such as those associated with cleanup and compliance, must be considered and appropriately managed. An attorney with expertise in environmental law can provide guidance on both federal and state regulations to ensure that businesses in Alaska operate within the legal requirements.