California Environmental Laws
California Constitution
The California Constitution does not directly address protection of the natural environment. However, several provisions allow for the California government to regulate land use and natural resources.
Click here to see which Constitutional provisions allow for environmental regulation.
California Statutes
The California legislature passes laws pursuant to its constitutional power.
Click here to see which laws California has passed to regulate the environment.
California Regulatory Agencies
California regulatory agencies enforce the laws passed by California’s legislature. The agencies also pass their own regulations to carry out the duties assigned to them.
Click here to see how these agencies regulate activities affecting the environment.
California Environmental Lawmakers
Click here to see which California committees and lawmakers are responsible for protecting the environment.
California has two committees devoted to environmental protection.
The committees are responsible for drafting environmental legislation. The proposed law is then presented to the full Senate and House.
To pass laws in California, a majority of both the California House and California Senate must vote to support the proposed law (a bill). The Governor must then sign the bill into law or veto it.