Environmental Laws and Regulations

Catalog description

This course offers a comprehensive overview of federal, state, and local laws and regulations focused on environmental protection and pollution prevention, emphasizing the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Students will explore how political, economic, scientific, and health factors shape regulatory policies aimed at safeguarding water resources, with particular attention to the impact these policies have on historically marginalized communities. The course will examine environmental monitoring standards, regulatory agencies, and inter-agency relationships, highlighting how these frameworks can perpetuate or challenge systemic inequities. Through critical analysis and discussion, students will gain insights into the necessity of inclusive and equitable approaches in environmental governance, preparing them to advocate for policies that benefit all communities. This course offers a comprehensive examination of federal, state, and local laws and regulations focused on environmental protection and pollution prevention. Recognizing the interconnectedness of politics, economics, science, health, and social justice, the course critically analyzes how these elements influence regulatory policies designed to safeguard and protect water resources. Through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism, students will explore environmental monitoring standards, regulatory agencies, and inter-agency relationships, emphasizing the importance of equitable environmental practices that serve all communities, especially those historically marginalized. (Formerly WST 037)