Protect Your Rights to Clean Air, Clean Water, and a Safe Environment
Citizen Suits for Violation of Federal Environmental Laws
Since the first Earth Day in 1970, Congress has enacted a wide range of laws to protect the natural environment from pollution, contamination, and destruction. Many of those laws have provisions that allow citizens to file legal action to stop wrongful conduct by regulated industries. If you are concerned about the air or water, or about the loss of endangered species, you might have a right to take legal action. But how and where do you find an attorney to protect your interests? We can help.
At The Legal Café, located in downtown Fort Worth near the courthouse, we have tools to help connect you with an experienced environmental lawyer. Complete our online form or visit us at 114 Main Street.
Filing a Citizen Lawsuit to Protect the Environment
The well-known federal environmental statutes all allow private citizens the right to bring legal action for two purposes:
- To compel private parties to comply with the law, or
- To force environmental and other government agencies to carry out statutorily-mandated duties.
At The Legal Café, we understand the challenges most people face when looking for experienced and effective legal counsel. We can help you locate an environmental lawyer to help accomplish your objectives. To initiate the process, fill out our online form.
The Statutes Most Commonly Used in Environmental Litigation
Private citizens may bring lawsuits under a number of federal environmental laws, including:
- The Clean Air Act – Enacted in 1963, the Clean Air Act seeks to regulate and control air pollution and improve air quality on a national level. Administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in conjunction with state and local governments, the Clean Air Act sets federal standards for mobile sources of air pollution and regulates nearly 200 airborne pollutants. Most of the management of clean air under the Act is done through a complex permit system. Private litigants often contest the validity of permits issued.
- The Clean Water Act – Also known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, the Clean Water Act seeks to maintain and restore the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of America’s waters, facilitating wastewater treatment as well as the maintenance of wetlands. The Act also sets forth regulatory requirements governing industrial and municipal discharge into the nation’s waters.
- The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 – This federal law grants the EPA the authority to regulate the creation, transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste.
- The Endangered Species Act of 1973 – Signed by President Richard Nixon, this law seeks to prevent the extinction of certain endangered species and provides tools to help recover and replenish species so that they are no longer at risk of extinction. Among other things, the statute bans the “harassment, harm or hunting” of protected species and authorizes funds for conservation of endangered species.
Let The Legal Café Help You Get in Touch with an Experienced Environmental Attorney Today
Submit our online form or come to The Legal Café to connect with a lawyer who can help you take the right steps to protect yourself and the environment.