The emphasis of environmental law is on the "Polluter pays". This means what it says - that the polluter, rather than the state or insurance companies, should pay for clean up costs. Companies will not only get fined, they are also hit for clean up costs, which can often be much greater.

The Environmental Agency (EA) was formed in April 1996 to combine the control of waste, water, and air law. Previously these areas of the environment were controlled separately.The combined enforcement and prosecution policy came into force on 1 November 1998

Virtually all UK environmental law now originates in Europe. It makes sense to deal with issues that have no national boundaries, such as contamination and pollution, by countries working together.

Check out EU Law

EP@W summary of EU Environmental Law