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 Maryland, businesses and industries that may impact the environment are required to comply with both federal and state environmental regulations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for implementing federal environmental laws by creating regulations and setting national standards. Maryland, like other states, enforces these standards through its own set of regulations. If Maryland fails to meet the national standards, the EPA can step in to assist. Industries such as agriculture, automotive, construction, utilities, and many others must adhere to these regulations. Compliance is not only crucial for ongoing operations but also plays a significant role in business transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, and service agreements. During such transactions, it is common to address environmental liabilities, including the allocation of risks and costs associated with environmental cleanup and compliance. Maryland businesses must ensure they are in compliance with all relevant environmental laws to avoid penalties and to facilitate smooth business operations and transactions.