Environmental Laws Flashcards

Flashcards covering key environmental laws discussed in the lecture.

Clean Air Act

A US law established in 1963 to protect Americans from pollution-related health problems by regulating air emissions from factories and vehicles.

Clean Water Act

A US law established in 1972, designed to protect surface waters by regulating pollutants discharged into water sources and setting water quality standards.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

An international agreement established in 1973 to protect endangered plants and animals from over-exploitation through regulated international trade.

CERCLA (Superfund)

A US law established in 1980 to address dangers of abandoned waste sites, authorizing cleanup and holding responsible parties liable for cleanup costs.

Kyoto Protocol

An international agreement established in 1997 to address global climate change by setting legally binding targets for industrialized countries to reduce GHG emissions.

Montreal Protocol

An international agreement established in 1987 to protect Earth's ozone layer by phasing out the production and use of CFCs.

Endangered Species Act

A US law established in 1973 to prevent the extinction of at-risk plant and animal species by protecting habitats and prohibiting harm to listed species.

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

A US law established in 1972 to protect public health by ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water, setting national standards for water quality.

Delaney Clause

A US clause established in 1985 to protect public health by prohibiting the approval of any food additive found to cause cancer in humans or animals.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

A US law established in 1976 to address waste disposal, protecting human health and the environment from hazardous and non-hazardous waste through regulations.