APES Legislation

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) 1976

EPA's authority to track and regulate industrial chemicals in the US.

Kyoto Protocol 1997

International agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 1969

Requires federal agencies to consider environmental impacts in decision-making and prepare Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation Liability Act (CERCLA Superfund) 1980

Federal authority for emergency response and cleanup of hazardous substances.

Pollution Prevention Act (PPA) 1990

Mandates facilities to reduce pollution at its source, either in volume or toxicity.

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) 1974

EPA's authority to set drinking water quality standards and oversee implementation.

Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) 1972

Protects the public from unreasonable risks associated with consumer products.

Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) 1996

Sets pesticide limits in food and requires screening for estrogenic/endocrine effects.

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1970

Ensures worker safety and health by requiring employers to provide a safe working environment.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) 1973

Controls the exploitation of endangered species through international legislation.

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) 1977

Requires restoration of abandoned mines to prevent environmental damage.

Montreal Protocol (MP) 1987

Banned production of aerosols and phased out CFCs to protect the ozone layer.

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 1972

Requires registration and approval of pesticides by the FDA.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) 1976

Regulates management of non-hazardous and hazardous solid waste from "cradle to grave."

Lacey Act 1900

Prohibits transportation of illegally captured or prohibited animals across state lines.

Wilderness Act (WA) 1964

Allows Congress to preserve federally owned land.

Emergency Planning & Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) 1986

Requires reporting of toxic releases and encourages response to chemical releases.

Oil Pollution Act (OPA) 1990

Requires oil companies to have spill prevention and cleanup plans before shipping oil into the US.

Clean Water Acts (CWA) 1972

Regulates and enforces discharge into water sources and wetland destruction/construction.

Clean Air Act (CAA) 1970

Establishes air quality standards, reduces air pollution from mobile sources, and sets goals for ambient air quality.

Endangered Species Act (ESA) 1973

Protects threatened or endangered species, including migratory birds and their habitats.