Environmental Policy Flashcards from Lecture Notes

A vocabulary-style set of flashcards covering key environmental policies, acts, and international treaties mentioned in the notes.

Energy Policy Act

U.S. law addressing energy use and conservation; aims to reduce dependence on imported oil, increase domestic energy production, and provide tax credits for energy efficiency and renewable energy investments.

Food Quality Protection Act

Law aimed at ensuring the safety of food by regulating pesticide residues; sets stricter pesticide limits and concerns the health of children.

Kyoto Protocol

International treaty with binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

Healthy Forests Restoration Act

Law designed to reduce wildfire risk by removing dead and diseased trees, improving forest health, and making it easier to control fires.

Paris Climate Agreement

International climate accord (2015) aiming to limit global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Antarctic Treaty System

International agreement that regulates human activity to preserve the Antarctic environment.

National Park Service

U.S. federal agency established to manage national parks, protect natural and cultural resources, and educate visitors.

Homestead Act of 1862

Legislation that encouraged settlement by allowing land claims; promoted farming and led to conflicts with Native Americans.

General Mining Law of 1872

Allowed individuals to claim public lands for mining valuable minerals; encouraged mining exploration.

Federal Water Pollution Control Act

Provided funding to states for water pollution control; initially lacked robust regulations and enforcement.

Clean Air Act

Law regulating air pollution to protect environment and public health; granted EPA authority to regulate pollutants.

Wilderness Act

Established the National Wilderness Preservation System and restricted certain activities within designated wilderness areas to protect their character.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Requires federal agencies to evaluate environmental impacts of major projects before approval.

Clean Water Act (1972)

Establishes wastewater standards and regulates discharges into waters; contributed to reducing water pollution.

Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972)

Aimed to protect marine mammals; prohibits harming them and sets safety rules.

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)

International agreement regulating trade in endangered species; categorizes species into appendices to restrict trade.

Endangered Species Act (1973)

Aims to protect species at risk of extinction and their habitats; provides guidelines for identifying endangered species.

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (1977)

Regulates coal mining operations; minimizes environmental impact, sets safe mining standards, and requires land reclamation.

CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act)

Created a Superfund to clean up contaminated sites and address hazardous waste sites.

Montreal Protocol

International agreement to phase out ozone-depleting substances to protect the ozone layer.