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 Colorado, as in other states, businesses and industries are required to comply with both federal and state environmental laws and regulations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for implementing federal environmental laws by creating regulations that set national standards. These standards are then enforced by state agencies, such as the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). If businesses in sectors like agriculture, automotive, construction, and others fail to meet these standards, they may face enforcement actions from the EPA or state authorities. Colorado businesses must also consider environmental regulations when engaging in transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, or service agreements, where environmental liabilities like cleanup costs and compliance obligations need to be addressed. It is crucial for businesses to understand and adhere to these regulations to avoid penalties and ensure that their operations are environmentally compliant. An attorney with expertise in environmental law can provide guidance on these complex regulations and help businesses navigate the legal requirements of environmental compliance in Colorado.