Review Questions
1) Describe the Hierarchy of Laws. Why is this
important?
2) What is described in the first three Articles of the
Constitution?
3) What is found in Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 of
the Constitution? How does this apply to
Environmental Law?
4) What does it take to pass a Constitutional
Amendment?
5) What is a veto? What does it take to override a
veto?
6) What is AB 32? What is Proposition 23?
Sources of Environmental Law
1) Legislative Branch
Enact environmental laws by passing bills
2) Judicial Branch
Impact environmental laws through statute
interpretation
3) Executive Branch
Proposes, supports, or opposes legislation
Treaties
Executive orders
4) Administrative Law
Rule making
Enforcement
Judicial Branch
LAW INTERPRETATION
• Constitution
• Statute
(plain meaning)
• Legislative History
• Example: The Clean
Water Act regulates
“Waters of the United
States”
Executive Branch
•
Support/Oppose and Veto
Legislation
•
Appointments:
Supreme Court/
Agency Heads
•
Budget Proposals
•
Treaties
•
Executive
Orders
•
Signing Statements
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