UK environmental law

An introduction to UK environmental law

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   Environmental law—new starter guide—provides an introductory guide to environmental law. It is aimed at trainee solicitors and others new to environment as a practice area and provides information on topical matters including legislation on transboundary issues such as climate change and related net zero regulation in the UK. It also covers the key principles of environmental law as well as sources of environmental regulation from international treaties and protocols, to primary, secondary and tertiary sources of EU law (including information on the supremacy of EU law and Brexit) and legislation passed by the UK government and devolved administrations. It discusses key areas of environmental regulation such as environmental permitting, contaminated land, environmental damage, water pollution, air pollution, waste, hazardous substances and sustainability. It also provides introductory information on liabilities for environmental offences including liability for clean ups, and criminal offences. This Practice Note also gives an overview of environmental regulators in the UK and their powers, and on regulatory actions initiated by individuals and civil actions