Environmental law is a broad topic that includes state and federal statutes and regulations governing air quality, water quality, waste management, cleanup of air, water, and ground contaminants, and chemical safety in plastics, pesticides, and other consumer products. And the state and federal regulation, management, and conservation of natural resources such as forests, minerals, and fish and game often intersect with these environmental law issues.

In Arkansas, environmental law encompasses a variety of state and federal regulations designed to protect air and water quality, manage waste, and ensure the cleanup of contaminants. The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is the primary state agency responsible for enforcing environmental laws and regulations. ADEQ oversees programs related to air pollution, water pollution, waste management, and the remediation of contaminated sites. Federal laws such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) set nationwide standards, which are implemented and sometimes expanded upon by state regulations. Additionally, the management and conservation of natural resources, including forests, minerals, and wildlife, are regulated by both state and federal agencies. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, for example, regulates hunting, fishing, and wildlife conservation, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management may also have jurisdiction over certain natural resources and habitats in the state. These environmental and natural resource laws often intersect, as the protection of one aspect of the environment can impact others, such as when regulations on chemical safety in consumer products affect water quality or when forest conservation efforts influence air quality.