ELO Web Template > Environmental Liability

Environmental liability is a legal obligation to make a future expenditure due to the past or ongoing manufacture, use, release, or threatened release of a particular substance, or other activities that adversely affect the environment and/or human health. Parties held liable for environmental violations can face fines, criminal penalties, and litigation. The ELO project and template have been designed on the premise that local governments are as susceptible to environmental liability as other entities, but often lack the resources to fully understand the concept, the complex set of federal and state requirements, and the consequences of not complying with such requirements. ICMA's goal is that by creating a centralized point for local governments to learn more about environmental liability and risks, local governments will not only better understand what environmental liability is, but also better manage and mitigate environmental risks.

The ELO project is implemented through the ICMA-managed Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN), the "first-stop shop" for environmental management, planning, and regulatory information for local government elected and appointed officials and their staffs. The ELO project is funded by the Public Entity Risk Institute (PERI). The International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) also joins the LGEAN partnership under the ELO project.

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