Environmental law and regulation are guided by several core principles designed to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development. These include the precautionary principle, the polluter pays principle, sustainable development, and the principle of integration. Other important principles include the public trust doctrine, intergenerational equity, and public participation.

The principles of environmental law and regulation are:
1. Taking action to prevent harm even if there is no full scientific proof.
2. Ensuring economic growth does not harm the environment and resources for future generations.
3. Making those who cause pollution responsible for the costs of cleaning it up.
4. Allowing people to be involved in decisions that affect the environment.
5. Ensuring fair treatment and involvement of all communities.
6. Protecting natural resources for future generations.
7. Focusing on preventing environmental damage rather than repairing it later.
8. Including environmental concerns in all policy and planning decisions.
These principles help create effective environmental laws and policies.