Delaware Environmental Laws
This page outlines Delaware’s environmental laws, the Delaware agencies responsible for enforcing those laws, and the people responsible for creating Delaware’s laws.
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Delaware Environmental Law Overview
The Delaware legislature passes laws pursuant to its constitutional power. Three primary committees operate in the Delaware legislature to author, amend, and repeal statutes. The statutes collectively form the Delaware Code. Title 7 of the Delaware Code (“Conservation”) contains the major environmental laws in Delaware.
Click here to see which laws Delaware has passed to regulate the environment.
Delaware Environmental Lawmakers
Delaware has two committees devoted to environmental protection - one in the Delaware State Senate, and one in the Delaware State House of Representatives.
The committees are responsible for drafting legislation to regulate matters related to the state’s environment and natural resources. After the committees complete their drafts, the proposed law is then presented to the full Senate and House.
To pass laws in Delaware, a majority of both the Delaware House and Delaware Senate must vote to support the proposed law (a bill). The Governor must then sign the bill into law or veto it.
Click here to see which Delaware lawmakers are tasked with responsibility over environmental legislation.
Delaware Environmental Regulatory Agencies
Delaware regulatory agencies enforce the laws passed by Delaware’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.
Delaware Constitution
The Delaware Constitution does not directly address protection of the natural environment. However, several provisions allow for the Delaware government to regulate land use and natural resources.
Click here to see which Constitutional provisions allow for environmental regulation.