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 Massachusetts, businesses and industries that may impact the environment are regulated by both federal and state environmental laws. The U.S. Congress passes environmental laws, which are then implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through regulations. The EPA sets national standards that Massachusetts must enforce through its own regulations. If Massachusetts fails to meet these national standards, the EPA can intervene to assist the state. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for environmental regulation and enforcement within the state. It works in conjunction with the EPA to ensure that businesses in sectors such as agriculture, automotive, construction, utilities, and many others comply with the necessary environmental laws and regulations. When businesses engage in transactions, they must consider environmental liabilities, including the allocation of risks and costs associated with environmental cleanup and compliance. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, fines, and legal action by both federal and state authorities.