Environmental Law

Environmental law operates in the constant field of tension between collective and private interests. Over the past few years, European and national environmental rules have been in a constant state of flux and the changes have generally led to stricter rules. Although environmental law is becoming increasingly important, for most private individuals, what is and is not permitted has become ever less transparent. This lack of transparency is worsened by the fact that more and more rules are now laid down at European level.

These developments call for a sharp and expert approach so as to translate applicable legislation and regulations into day-to-day practice. In-house staff at Banning are able to provide precisely that knowledge and those skills, within the Environmental Law practice group. The attorneys that make up this group can assist you in facing up to enforcement actions by government authorities. We also offer specialist support should problems arise with the granting or refusal of environmental permits. Of key importance in this respect is the introduction of the Environmental Protection (General Provisions) Act (Wabo) in which a shift has taken place in the form of environmental licencing, which is expected to bring about considerable consequences in practice. This practice group is also recognised as containing specialists in the field of waste substance law/recycling and asbestos.

In addition to the areas already outlined, the Environmental Law practice group is fully conversant with environmental liability law. The most obvious examples relate to government liability law. After all, authorities often make mistakes that result in liability, and the resultant obligation to pay compensation. Special rules apply in such situations. Finally, our practice group has broad experience with other environment-related (liability) issues such as soil contamination, hazardous substances and other forms of environmental damage.