Air Pollution & Environmental Law
Our country has been dealing with environmental issues in increasing frequency since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Beginning in the 1970's, the United States Congress enacted a series of Clean Air Acts to increase the regulations of air pollution. Among other things, the Clean Air Act set limits on the concentrations of air pollutants and also provided methods for reporting and enforcing violations. As a result of this Act, the carbon monoxide emissions, nitrogen oxide emissions, sulfur dioxide emissions, particulate emissions, and lead emissions throughout the United States fell dramatically.
Air pollutants are reported to harm your health and the environment. Out of the six kinds of pollutants, the ground-level ozone and particle pollution have been identified as the most prevalent health threats. Countless claims and lawsuits have been filed for violations of the Clean Air Act, and one company was found guilty of violating the law more than 15,000 times in this regard.
What is the Clean Air Act?
The Clean Air Act was amended in 1990 to focus on three main areas of pollution that pose the greatest threat to the people of the United States: toxic air emissions, urban air pollution and acid rain. There are now over 80 rules that contain enforcement policies for industrial sources such as oil refineries, utilities, factories, manufacturers and other industries. Some rules even apply to cars, trucks and indoor air as well. In order to show compliance with these regulations, some industries are required to maintain records and report to a compliance agency.
The main reason why air pollution lawsuits are filed is because the well-being of an environmental asset or the well-being of a set of environmental assets is in dispute. Lawsuits over indoor air quality are increasing throughout the country and are being brought by all types of parties. From occupants who are filing against owners to owners suing insurance companies and contractors, there are an infinite number of ways that air pollution can develop into a litigation matter.
Types of Air Pollution Lawsuits
Some of the main perpetrators in air pollution lawsuits are confined animal feeding operations (CAFO) and animal feeding operations (AFO). By raising massive numbers of animals in confinement, the emission of animal feeding operations has caused air pollution. AFOs can affect air quality through the emissions of gases such as hydrogen sulfide, volatile organic compounds, ammonia, hazardous air pollutants, particulate manner and odor. These pollutants have various effects on the environment and human health, and many AFOs are subject to Clean Air Act regulation.
Here at Domina Law Group, we understand the importance of air quality and how it affects our lives and our homes. We have studied the laws and we know what compliance with federal and state pollution control laws looks like. From industrial businesses to commercial enterprises, there is always a possibility that hazardous waste and gasoline or diesel fuel storage is not being done in the right way.
For more information about air pollution lawsuits and how you can go about seeking compensation under environmental law, please call our skilled team of environmental lawyers today.
