What are "environmental crimes" in Missouri?

Environmental crimes in Missouri are defined as violations against laws that protect natural resources. This includes a wide range of activities that harm the environment or violate specific regulations aimed at conserving natural resources and ensuring public health and safety. Such laws encompass illegal dumping, violations of air and water quality standards, and harm to wildlife or their habitats.

The focus on laws protecting natural resources reflects the state's commitment to maintaining a balanced ecosystem and safeguarding the environment for future generations. This definition goes beyond mere accidents or unintentional actions; it captures deliberate misconduct that leads to environmental degradation.

While unintentional violations and specific types of corporate misconduct are related to safety and regulatory frameworks, they do not encompass the broader scope of actions that are classified as environmental crimes. Hunting and fishing violations, while important, represent only a small subset of the overall legal framework aimed at protecting the environment rather than the full spectrum of environmental crimes covered under Missouri law.