When looking at environmental regulations across the United States, New York places a greater emphasis on this area than many other states. This is evident when ranking states based on their environmental policies and the effects of those policies.
For instance, some reports rank New York third in environmental regulations, behind only California and Vermont. Despite its high population levels, the state has some of the lowest per capita carbon dioxide emissions in the country. The same is true for nitrous oxide and methane emissions. Additionally, clean soil is a major focus in New York, ranking second in the nation for soil quality. This has significant implications for farming, wildlife, water supplies and more.
Environmental regulations
None of this is accidental—New York State has taken deliberate action to establish regulations governing these areas. For example, the state has a Protection of Waters Regulatory Program, which helps reduce pollution and keep chemicals out of the water table.
Similarly, New York is part of the 1948 Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission. Other states involved include West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. Under this agreement, the states work together to regulate water quality and monitor rivers, streams and other water sources.
Furthermore, in 2008, New York joined the Great Lakes Compact, an agreement aimed at protecting water resources in the Great Lakes. Other participating states include Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. This is also a binational agreement, with Ontario and Quebec—two Canadian provinces—participating as well.
Navigating various regulations
It is crucial for business owners to understand the environmental regulations they must follow in New York. The examples above are just a few, but businesses must be aware of all legal requirements and understand what steps to take in the event of a dispute or alleged violation.