Are there any laws on pollution?

Answer 1

Almost every country in the world has laws on pollution which are directed at its own citizens. These may be developed nationally at the regional, state, or provincial level and at the municipal level. In addition there are international accords relating to pollution, oil discharges, the use of certain chemicals with environmental impact and global warming.

Some of the laws an be Draconian with the dumping of hazardous waste being regarded as a capital offence. However most are more reasonable with the imposition of fines, imprisonment or mandatory cleanup as a penalty.

The enforcement of many laws is questionable.

Environmental considerations are also woven into may non environmental legislation. In NAFTA between Canada the US and Mexico there are special provisions which ensure that there is no economic advantage to one area or the other being a pollution friendly jurisdiction.

Answer 2

Yes, in the state I live in there is actually 5 state and federal agencies that regulate pollution controls directly, on fossil fuel burning power plants. EPA, Coast Guard and FERC are three federal agencies that have direct control, in the US, on non-nuclear power plants. Others, actually, do have indirect or more specific controls on pollution.

Answer 3

Yes, there are a lot of placed that have air pollution laws, but what the laws require and how they are enforced will depend upon where you live and how the various jurisdictions (local, state, federal) get involved.