How are environmental legislation and policies made nationally and locally? Who influences that process?
No one person or branch of government is responsible for environmental policies and legislation in the United States. Many departments and officeholders share in the complicated decision-making process. Some groups, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, do more on the monitoring and research side; though they do not issue laws directly, they can issue sanctions and certain types of permits. The House of Representatives is charged with creating bills, which are sent to the President for review. If he does not veto it, it will become law. Numerous people and groups put pressure on elected officials about laws related to the environment. Some have conservation and preservation of nature as their top priority; others are concerned about the effects of new laws on their homes, families, property, or businesses and yet others are paid as lobbyists to represent corporations or special interest groups. As in many countries, the United States has rules governing the practice of lobbying.
