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 Utah, as in other states, 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. Utah's own environmental agencies, such as the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), enforce these standards locally and have the authority to establish additional state-specific regulations. If businesses in sectors like agriculture, automotive, construction, and others fail to meet these standards, they can face enforcement actions from either the EPA or state agencies. When engaging in transactions, businesses must also consider environmental liabilities, such as the costs associated with environmental cleanup and compliance. An attorney can help businesses navigate these complex regulations and transactions to ensure they meet all legal requirements and properly manage environmental risks.