Book excerpt: This thoroughly revised edition of the California Environmental Law and Natural Resources Handbook is an invaluable reference manual for lawyers, students, conservationists, and developers. It will take you step-by-step through statutes, programs, and stringent environmental standards in the State of California. Various agencies, departments, and boards are charged with the authority to protect the environment and natural resources. Governmental responsibility for implementing and enforcing the law is divided among many governmental bodies, including statewide agencies, special districts, regional boards, and city and county governments. The California Environmental Law and Natural Resource Handbook seeks to simplify California’s complex laws by providing a clearly written comprehensive overview of key environmental topics impacting the State of California. It includes the latest information on topics such as water quality, hazardous waste control, oil spill prevention, and wetland protections.