ABSTRACT
A few statutes contain self-enforcing or indirect sanctions including clouds on property titles, imposition of liens, forfeiture of bonds, or ineligibility for grants and government contracts. Local bylaws and ordinances typically impose criminal fines. Court enforcement of environmental laws may take the form of criminal prosecutions for fines or incarceration, or civil actions for injunctions or civil money penalties. Criminal enforcement is conducted by public agencies. Prosecution of federal law violations is by the United States Attorney within each federal district on behalf of the United States Environmental Protection Agency or other agency in the federal District Court. State law violators are prosecuted by the state Attorney General or the county District Attorney, in the state trial courts, on behalf of state environmental agencies which request enforcement. The statutes cited above generally give standing to seek injunctions to enforce existing law not for civil damages or criminal fines.
