Legal Definitions - Natural resources

Natural resources refer to the materials and substances that occur naturally in the environment and are used by humans for various purposes. These resources include:

• Land
• Fish and wildlife
• Air
• Water
• Groundwater
• Drinking water supplies

These resources are owned, managed, and controlled by governments, both in the United States and abroad. Laws and regulations are in place to protect these resources and ensure their sustainable use for future generations.

For example, the Clean Water Act is a federal law in the United States that regulates the discharge of pollutants into the nation's surface waters, including lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. This law helps to protect the quality of the country's water resources and ensure that they are safe for drinking, swimming, and other uses.

Another example is the Endangered Species Act, which is a federal law that protects endangered and threatened species and their habitats. This law helps to ensure that these species are not driven to extinction and that their ecosystems remain healthy and intact.