Environmental Policy and Regulation

This collection of flashcards includes key vocabulary terms and definitions related to environmental policy and regulation, covering principles, laws, and processes in the field of environmental health.

Environmental Policy

A statement by an organization regarding its intentions and principles in relation to overall environmental performance.

Precautionary Principle

Preventive measures should be taken when an activity raises threats of harm to the environment or human health, even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established.

Environmental Justice

The equal treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Polluter-Pays Principle

The principle that the polluter should bear the expenses of carrying out the pollution prevention and control measures.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

A process that reviews the potential impact of human-related activities concerning their environmental consequences.

Health Impact Assessment (HIA)

A method for describing and estimating the effects that a proposed project or policy may have on the health of a population.

policy cycle

The distinct phases involved in the policy-making process, including problem definition, agenda setting, policy establishment, implementation, and assessment.

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

A federal law that gives the EPA authority to regulate the production, importation, use, and disposal of specific chemicals.

Clean Water Act

A federal law that regulates pollutant discharges into the waters of the United States and establishes water quality standards.

Environmental Advocacy Organizations

Entities that educate people and mold public opinion regarding specific environmental issues and policy.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

A U.S. federal law requiring federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

An independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for environmental protection matters.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.