An example of how one central government agency successfully performs the functions of environmental control over the use and protection of all natural resources (including water and land) can be observed in the United States. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), a federal executive body, carries out a full range of control functions to ensure compliance with federal environmental laws in various areas of natural resource use (water, land, air, etc.). The Agency sets national standards for various environmental protection programs. If the standards are not met, the Agency may impose sanctions (termination of the violator’s activities, fines, legal action, etc.).
The Agency delegates to the states and Indian tribes the authority to issue various permits and to monitor compliance with and enforcement of environmental laws.
The Agency includes the Office of Enforcement and Compliance, which directly monitors compliance with federal environmental laws by federal and state agencies, corporations, and individuals. On the ground, enforcement functions are carried out by 10 divisions of the Agency, each covering several states. State environmental authorities monitor compliance with state environmental laws.
The application of environmental legislation in the field of water resources is carried out by the Water Resources Administration of the Natural Resources Protection Agency. Water resources are managed by two basin management boards12 , which include representatives of the states, the federal government, and state water supply agencies. These bodies issue permits for the use of water bodies, set water quality standards, and monitor compliance with the issued instructions. States also have the right to issue their own laws and regulations in the field of water use with respect to water bodies located within the territory of the respective state.
Congress has the right to regulate water bodies located on the territory of several states (historically, this was the case because such water resources were important trade routes, and trade was regulated exclusively by Congress).
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) is a federal executive agency whose main task is to protect human health and the environment. The Agency sets national standards for various programs to protect the environment. If the standards are not met, the Agency may impose sanctions (termination of the violator’s activities, fines, lawsuits, etc.).
The EPA delegates to states and Indian tribes the authority to issue various permits and to monitor compliance with and enforce environmental laws.
