NCJ Number
130119
Journal
Journal of Law and Society Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: special issue (Spring 1991) Pages: complete issue
Editor(s)
R Churchill,
J Gibson,
L Warren
Date Published
1991
Length
178 pages
Annotation
This special journal issue examines current environmental policy in the United Kingdom an considers the role of law in implementing that policy.
Abstract
In reality, there is no readily identifiable body of environmental law in England. The main fields of environmental legislation, pollution control, conservation, and land use planning are dealt with as separate issues by legislators and administrators. Progress in the field of environmental protection has been reactive, and issues that appear topical and politically useful attract the attention of government and nongovernment organizations alike. Some progress toward integrated pollution control has been made with the Environmental Protection Act of 1990. This legislation addresses the danger of transferring a pollution burden from one medium to another and also provides a framework for a system of quality objectives and emission standards. The Water Act of 1989 privatizes the water industry and separates pollution control functions of the old water authorities from service functions related to water supply and sewerage. The legal basis for environmental policy in the European Community is discussed as well as the development and implementation of international environmental law in the areas of pollution control and nature conservation. The administration of environmental protection from a social scientific perspective is analyzed, and particular attention is paid to land use law, conservation, waste management, crimes against the aquatic environment, and traffic growth. 657 notes and references and 2 figures