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 Tennessee, 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, which often include national standards that states are expected to enforce through their own regulations. If Tennessee fails to meet these national standards, the EPA can step in to assist. The state has its own environmental regulatory body, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), which works in conjunction with the EPA to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Industries such as agriculture, automotive, construction, utilities, and many others must adhere to these regulations, which cover a wide range of environmental aspects including air and water quality, waste management, and pollution control. When businesses in Tennessee engage in transactions, they must consider environmental liabilities and may need to allocate risks and costs related to environmental cleanup and compliance. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal consequences, including fines and other penalties. It is advisable for businesses to consult with an attorney to ensure they understand and meet all environmental regulatory requirements.