State Liability for Environmental Violations: The U.S. Supreme Court’s 'New' Federalism
29 Environmental Law Reporter 10655
17 Pages Posted: 25 Apr 2012
Date Written: April 22, 1999
Abstract
This article examines whether the Supreme Court’s decisions in Alden v. Maine, College Savings Bank v. Florida Prepaid Postsecondary Education Expense Board, and Florida Prepaid Postsecondary Education Expense Board v. College Savings Bank, restrict the ability of Congress to regulate state compliance with federal environmental statutes. The article discusses the various enforcement mechanisms identified in Alden v. Maine and that remain valid, notwithstanding any Eleventh Amendment or constitutional immunity the States may retain. The article concludes that the Supreme Court’s federalism decisions will likely have limited practical impact upon Congress’ authority to enact and ensure the enforcement of environmental statutes.
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