In the United States the government established the EPA or environmental protection agency to help regulate governmental, corporate, and individual environmental pollution. Before the EPA, there were no guidelines or regulations to help control the amount of pollution that was being released into the environment. The lack of regulation lead to a number of serious contamination issues which ultimately resulted in destroyed eco systems and in some cases the loss of human life. One of the main sources for environmental pollution is industrial complexes. Coal, oil, and nuclear energy all pose a threat to the air around facilities that use these types of power to operate. Coal and oil especially create thick black smoke that is released into the atmosphere and causes many types of pollution including smog. Nuclear facilities are much cleaner, but pose a threat to air quality if an accident occurs that results in radioactive material begin released into the atmosphere. The Environmental Protection Agency has created the Clean Air Act, an ever changing guideline for individuals and corporations to help regulate the amount of pollution that is released into the air each day.
If you are a business owner, understanding the clean air act is an important part of creating a thriving business. Failure to comply with the regulations set forth in the act can result in large pay outs being required by federal, state, or local level courts. A corporation has environmental liability that they are responsible for. Not complying with the statutes that relate to your industry could require you to pay fines, cleanup costs, and even retribution in cases where your company's pollution affected the lives of people or animals.
By investing in clean energy options for your company you can greatly decrease the chances that you will be faced with air pollution problems in the future. The EPA has passed new standards for auto makers, requiring them to create cleaner engines that get higher gas mileage. If your company uses vehicles in any part of your operation, upgrading your fleet to newer more energy efficient vehicles will help you get ahead of the curve. Another way the EPA is guiding businesses toward a cleaner environment is by establishing guidelines for disposal of chemicals and other waste.
Education your employees about proper disposal procedures will help you avoid trouble with the EPA and keep the communities around your operations safe from the treat of contamination. In the past, irresponsible companies have be required to pay out large settlements to entire towns who were negatively impacted by irresponsible or even accidental contamination of the air and water. Developing a complete environmental guide book that can be given to all of your employees will go a long way toward making sure they are fully aware of all your company's environmental liabilities and they behave in ways that will protect your company from decisions that will have a negative impact on the environment.
There are many other pollution solutions you can enact across your company. Contacting the EPA or other environmental groups in your area, is one of the best ways to find resources that can help you develop an environmental business plan that will be good for the environment and good for your company as well.
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Written by Lawrence Reaves for Beacon Hill Associates - http://www.b-h-a.com - a wholesale insurance broker and program administrator focusing on specialty insurance related to the environment and pollution.
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