Environmental Legislation

Kyoto Protocol

World treaty enacted 1997. An agreement between nations to reduce and limit greenhouse gases in industries and economies. Extended the UN Framework Convention.

Montreal Protocol

World treaty enacted 1989. Used to reduce ozone depleting substances across different countries Montreal and Kigali amendments expanded to HCFCs and HFCs. Formed the Multilateral Fund.

CITIES

World Treaty enacted 1975. Wildlife conservation and attempt to regulate trade safely.

SMRCA

World treaty enacted 1977. Prohibits surface coal mining near National Parks to preserve wildlife. NPS manages it.

RCRA

US Law enacted 1976. Gives EPA the right to handle transport, treatment and storage of hazardous and non-hazardous waste as it sees fit.

Lacey Act

Enacted 1990. Prohibits international and domestic fish trafficking and activities. 2008 amendment extended to plants and other wildlife.

Clean Water Act

Enacted 1972. Helps EPA regulate surface water. Sets standards for fishing and swimming. Permits have to given out by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.

Safe Drinking Water Act

Enacted 1974. Requires the protection of drinking water. (Rivers, lakes, wells, etc.)

Clean Air Act

Enacted 1970. Acts against hazardous air pollutants. Includes state implementation plans (SIPS) and national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS).

Endangered Species Act

Enacted 1973. Protects fish, wildlife, and plants that are threatened or endangered.

CERCLA

US Law enacted in 1980. Taxes chemical and petroleum industries to create a superfund in order to clean up waste.