Virginia law
Environmental Laws in Virginia.
Virginia environmental law is administered by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) under authority of Title 10.1 of the Code of Virginia. Core programs include Virginia Water Protection Permits, State Water Control Law, Virginia Air Pollution Control Law, and Virginia Waste Management Act. Virginia also participates in the Chesapeake Bay Program, and the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (Va. Code § 62.1-44.15:67 et seq.) imposes land-use restrictions on development within designated Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas.
Last verified: 2026-04-20
State law
Key Virginia Statutes
Virginia's principal water-pollution-control statute — administered by DEQ and the State Water Control Board.
Virginia's air-pollution-control statute — administered by DEQ and the State Air Pollution Control Board.
Requires local governments in Tidewater Virginia to adopt Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area ordinances, restricting development in Resource Protection Areas and Resource Management Areas.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.
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