Environmental law

International environmental law examines the legal standards that apply to environmental effects arising in one nation and causing harm in one or more other nations. These range from relatively simple transboundary effects to environmental concerns of a regional or global character. The governing of how water is used, who uses it and how much is used is complex and comprises a substantial body of law at local, national, and international levels. Because of its value and its importance in all aspects of life, water is a highly political issue. Water legislation is a tool for implementing water policy and typically reflects the current ruling policy. Legislation often lags behind policy because of the lengthy processes involved in developing new laws. Occasionally legislation is developed or current legislation is amended without the benefit of clear policy - this usually leads to problems.