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 Ohio, businesses and industries that may impact the environment are required to adhere to both federal and state environmental regulations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for implementing federal environmental laws by creating regulations, which include national standards that states are expected to enforce through their own regulations. Ohio has its own environmental agency, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA), which enforces these standards and regulations within the state. If Ohio fails to meet the national standards set by the EPA, the federal agency can step in to assist or enforce compliance. Industries such as agriculture, automotive, construction, utilities, and many others must comply with relevant environmental laws and regulations. This compliance extends to various business transactions, where environmental risks and costs, such as those associated with cleanup and ongoing compliance, must be considered and appropriately managed. Businesses operating in Ohio must ensure they are in compliance with both federal EPA regulations and Ohio's environmental laws to avoid penalties and ensure the protection of the environment.