{"id":4504,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:33","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/overview-key-federal-environmental-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T01:51:32","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T06:51:32","slug":"overview-key-federal-environmental-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/overview-key-federal-environmental-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Overview: Key Federal Environmental Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30  wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-main fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Overview: Key Federal Environmental Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/jade-chounlamountry-esq\/\">Jade Chounlamountry, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/aviana-cooper-esq\/\">Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            June 06, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-editorial-note fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>In today&#8217;s world, small businesses must balance growth and responsibility to the environment. Federal laws exist to protect the environment, ensure safety, and promote sustainability. But understanding and following these laws can be tricky, especially for small businesses. This article is an overview of federal environmental laws for small businesses. We&#8217;ll provide practical insights to help small business owners navigate regulations.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The Clean Air Act<\/h2>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.epa.gov\/laws-regulations\/summary-clean-air-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Clean Air Act<\/a>&nbsp;regulates air pollution in the United States. It applies to various sources of air emissions, including small businesses. Under the Clean Air Act, small businesses must follow specific air regulations to control and reduce their air emissions. This may include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Using pollution control technologies<\/li>\r\n<li>Maintaining proper record-keeping<\/li>\r\n<li>Getting permits for certain activities<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Small businesses can contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment for everyone. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ensures compliance with the Act. The EPA created&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/criteria-air-pollutants\/naaqs-table\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Ambient Air Quality Standards<\/a>&nbsp;(NAAQS). NAAQS set acceptable levels of emissions from both stationary and mobile sources.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The Clean Water Act<\/h2>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.epa.gov\/laws-regulations\/summary-clean-water-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Clean Water Act<\/a>&nbsp;focuses on protecting the quality of our nation&#8217;s water resources. Compliance with the Clean Water Act requires the following:<\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>Following regulations<\/li>\r\n<li>Using pollution prevention measures<\/li>\r\n<li>Treating wastewater before release<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>The EPA implemented industry standards for wastewater. Suppose a small business might introduce impurities into the water. In that case, they must get&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/cwa-404\/clean-water-act-section-402-national-pollutant-discharge-elimination-system\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">permits.<\/a>&nbsp;Examples include discharging wastewater or stormwater runoff.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/cwa-404\/clean-water-act-section-402-national-pollutant-discharge-elimination-system\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&nbsp;<\/a>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/npdes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System<\/a>&nbsp;(NPDES) issues these permits.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)<\/h2>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/sdwa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SDWA<\/a>&nbsp;addresses issues relating to the quality and safety of drinking water in the United States. The EPA can establish standards for sources of water for human consumption. SDWA contains both health-related standards and nuisance-related standards. The EPA and local governments work together to start enforcement actions.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)<\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/laws-regulations\/summary-comprehensive-environmental-response-compensation-and-liability-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CERCLA<\/a>&nbsp;addresses the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and their liability. CERCLA is also known as the Superfund law. CERCLA applies to small businesses responsible for hazardous waste releases or contamination. The EPA can charge businesses for cleanup costs and other unsafe use or disposal liabilities. Small businesses should:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Properly manage hazardous substances<\/li>\r\n<li>Promptly report any spills or releases<\/li>\r\n<li>Take necessary actions to prevent environmental harm<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>The Emergency Planning &amp; Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA)<\/h2>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/epcra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EPCRA<\/a>&nbsp;enhances community safety and preparedness for hazardous substances. EPCRA applies to small businesses that handle or store certain hazardous chemicals. These businesses must report their chemical inventory annually. They must also provide information to the local community about potential hazards. Small businesses must take part in emergency planning efforts with local emergency response agencies.<\/p>\r\n<p>Under the EPCRA, each state must create and maintain a State Emergency Response Commission (SERC). Each SERC has Emergency Planning Districts. Each district must have a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). The SERCs and LEPCs provide the community with resources on chemical hazards.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The Endangered Species Act (ESA)<\/h2>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/laws-regulations\/summary-endangered-species-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ESA<\/a>&nbsp;applies to small businesses that may impact endangered or threatened species. Under the ESA, small businesses must avoid actions that may harm protected species or their habitats.<\/p>\r\n<p>If a project could impact an endangered or threatened species, a small business may need to:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Get special permits<\/li>\r\n<li>Consult with federal agencies to ensure compliance<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The ESA also prohibits the sale and trade of products made from endangered species. This may affect small businesses involved in wildlife-related commerce.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Federal Insecticide, Fungicide &amp; Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)<\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/enforcement\/federal-insecticide-fungicide-and-rodenticide-act-fifra-and-federal-facilities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FIFRA<\/a>&nbsp;applies to small businesses that produce, sell, or use pesticides, such as insecticides and fungicides. Small businesses must register the pesticides they handle with the EPA. FIFRA requires users of pesticides to follow the instructions on the product labels. Proper use is essential to prevent harm to human health and the environment.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)<\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/nepa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NEPA<\/a>&nbsp;ensures the government considers environmental impacts before making important decisions. NEPA applies to small businesses involved in projects requiring federal permits or funding. These small businesses must conduct environmental assessments to understand and reduce their projects&#8217; effects on the environment.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The Occupational Safety &amp; Health Act (OSHA)<\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/workplace-safety\/osha.html\">OSHA<\/a>&nbsp;requires employers to provide their workers with a safe workplace. Some OSHA initiatives do not directly affect the environment. An example is the requirements for safety for workers on elevated sites. Other provisions specifically address environmental issues. An example is regulating the use of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/workplace-safety\/toxic-exposure-in-the-workplace.html\">toxic or hazardous materials<\/a>&nbsp;in the workplace.<\/p>\r\n<p>OSHA is one of the few federal laws relating to the environment that the EPA does not control. Many states have their own workplace safety and health acts. State acts must have provisions that meet, if not exceed, the federal OSHA requirements.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The Pollution Prevention Act<\/h2>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/laws-regulations\/summary-pollution-prevention-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pollution Prevention Act<\/a>&nbsp;encourages businesses to reduce pollution at its source. This act applies to small businesses by promoting proactive measures to prevent pollution. Small businesses are encouraged to make changes to reduce pollution. Changes in the production, operation, and use of raw materials can cut pollution. Recycling and reusing materials are also emphasized.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)<\/h2>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/rcra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RCRA<\/a>&nbsp;allows the EPA to control various activities involving hazardous waste, including:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Generation<\/li>\r\n<li>Transportation<\/li>\r\n<li>Treatment<\/li>\r\n<li>Storage<\/li>\r\n<li>Disposal<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>RCRA also contains provisions for the management of nonhazardous solid wastes. RCRA complements CERCLA, which provides mechanisms for controlling all hazardous waste situations. RCRA focuses on active and future facilities. CERCLA deals with abandoned or historical sites and emergencies.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) is an amendment to the RCRA. The HSWA requires phasing out land disposal of hazardous waste. HSWA created more stringent hazardous waste management standards.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)<\/h2>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/laws-regulations\/summary-toxic-substances-control-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TSCA<\/a>&nbsp;regulates the production and use of chemicals in the United States. TSCA applies to small businesses that manufacture, import, or use chemical substances.<\/p>\r\n<p>Under this law, small businesses must report the chemicals they produce or use. They must also report any significant adverse effects related to these substances.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs (SBEAP)<\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nationalsbeap.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs<\/a>&nbsp;are required under the Clean Air Act. They help small business owners follow environmental regulations. These state programs have three parts:<\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>Small business environmental assistance providers&#8217; programs (SBEAP)<\/li>\r\n<li>Small business ombudsman (SBO)<\/li>\r\n<li>Compliance advisory panel (CAP)<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p>The SBEAP provides valuable resources, technical assistance, and compliance assistance. The SBEAP helps small businesses reduce their impact on the environment.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Compliance With Federal Environmental Laws: Get Legal Help<\/h2>\r\n<p>Even an innocent regulatory mistake that violates key federal regulations can be devastating. If you need help understanding environmental laws relevant to your business, a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">business and commercial law attorney<\/a>&nbsp;help. An experienced attorney can help your business ensure environmental compliance.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\" fl-section-sidebar  \">\n        <div class=\"generalCard\">\n            <div class=\"disclaimer--newLegalZoom general-card--newLegalZoom__disclaimer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>FindLaw will earn a commission if you purchase business formation products through these affiliate links.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card general-card--newLegalZoom\">\n        <div class=\"general-card__header\">\n            <div class=\"general-card__header-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"general-card__header-image--newLegalZoomText\"\n                     src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/ability-law\/resources\/images\/legal-zoom\/legal_zoom_text.png\"\n                     alt=\"\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"general-card__header-image--newLegalZoom\"\n                     src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/ability-law\/resources\/images\/legal-zoom\/legal_zoom.png\"\n                     alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <span class=\"general-card__header-title fl-text\"><p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s <b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__body\">\n            <div class=\"text section\">\n                <div class=\"cmp-text\">\n                    <h2 class=\"general-card__h2--newLegalZoom fl-h3-landing\">Kickstart your LLC in minutes!<\/h2>\n                    <div>\n                        <p><p>Join the millions who launched their businesses with LegalZoom.<\/p>\n<p><b>LLC plans start at $0 + state fees.<\/b><\/p><\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__footer\">\n            <a class=\"general-card__footer-link fl-text-lg diy-biz-affiliate\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - LATL ESum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115288\/26746?subId1=overview-key-federal-environmental-laws-esum\">\n                <p class=\"general-card__footer-link-text fl-no-margin fl-text-lg-medium\">Get started<\/p>\n                <i class=\"general-card__footer-link-icon fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"general-card--newLegalZoom__bottom\">\n        <p>Prefer to work with a lawyer?<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/?fli=latl_biz:dir:lz_esum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business.html\">\n                        Starting a Business\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes.html\">\n                        Business Tax Law\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/closing-a-business.html\">\n                        Closing a Business\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/environmental-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Environmental Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/state-local-municipal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">State, Local and Municipal Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/natural-resources-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Natural Resources Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/government-agencies-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Government Agencies and Programs Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/ethics-professional-responsibility\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ethics and Professional Responsibility Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/internet-cyberspace\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Internet\/ Cyberspace Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/science-technology-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Science and Technology Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the key federal environmental laws to know for small business owners. Understand where to go for help compliance with FindLaw.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":4480,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2],"tags":[9],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-4504","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-smallbusiness","tag-aff-llc"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4504","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4504"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4504\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4480"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4504"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4504"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4504"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=4504"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=4504"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}