Environmental Policy and Legislation Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering key environmental laws, treaties, and policies from U.S. legislation and international agreements.

Homestead Act of 1862

A U.S. law offering 160 acres of public land to settlers who farm it for five years to promote westward expansion; it spurred settlement but led to conflicts with Native American tribes and environmental changes.

General Mining Act of 1872

U.S. law allowing individuals to stake mining claims on public lands in the West for gold, silver, and other minerals; up to 20 acres; no government fees; encouraged mining and settlement with environmental impacts.

National Park Service (NPS)

Established in 1916 to manage and protect national parks, monuments, and protected areas; aims to preserve natural and historic values while providing public access; oversees 430+ sites.

Federal Water Pollution Control Act (1948)

First major U.S. law regulating water pollution; established water quality standards, funded sewage treatment plants, and regulated pollutant releases by factories.

Antarctic Treaty System (1959)

International agreement regulating activity in Antarctica to preserve the environment and promote peace; bans military activity, nuclear tests, and disposal of radioactive waste.

Clean Air Act (CAA)

Major U.S. law regulating air pollution; empowers EPA to set standards for pollutants like SO2, ozone, and CO; requires emission reductions from vehicles and industry; 1990 amendments introduced cap-and-trade for sulfur emissions.

Wilderness Act (1964)

Created the National Wilderness Preservation System; defines wilderness as undeveloped areas for recreation; allows activities like hiking and camping but restricts motorized vehicles, logging, and mining.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Requires federal agencies to evaluate environmental impacts of major projects; Environmental Impact Statements are prepared for projects that could significantly affect the environment.

Clean Water Act (CWA) 1972

Major revision of the 1948 law; sets enforceable water quality standards, regulates pollution from businesses and cities, and funds wastewater treatment improvements.

Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) 1972

Prohibits hunting, capture, or killing of marine mammals in U.S. waters; allows limited exceptions for research or conservation; manages populations and habitats.

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) 1973

International agreement protecting animals and plants from trade harm; divides species into Appendices I, II, III with varying trade restrictions.

Endangered Species Act (ESA) 1973

Protects species at risk of extinction and their habitats; lists endangered and threatened species; prohibits harming habitats of listed species; has aided recovery of species like the bald eagle and gray wolf.

Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) 1977

Regulates coal mining; requires land restoration after mining (reclamation); sets standards for waste disposal, water quality, and vegetation; established funds to restore abandoned mines.

CERCLA (Superfund Act) 1980

Created the Superfund to clean up hazardous waste sites; identifies responsible parties for pollution and holds them accountable for cleanup costs.

Montreal Protocol (1987)

International agreement to protect the ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances like CFCs; requires reduction and eventual elimination; contributed to ozone recovery.

Energy Policy Act (1992)

U.S. law addressing energy use and conservation; reduces dependence on foreign oil; increases renewable energy production (wind, solar) and improves efficiency; provides tax credits for energy-efficient appliances and renewables.

Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) 1996

Regulates pesticide residues in food; EPA sets stricter intake limits and considers health effects, especially on children.

Kyoto Protocol (1997)

International agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; sets targets for industrialized countries and allows emissions trading; criticized for limited participation and uneven obligations (e.g., the U.S. not joining).

Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) 2003

Aims to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health; promotes safer management like removing dead/diseased trees, thinning overcrowded areas, and easier controlled burns.

Paris Climate Agreement (2015)

International framework to limit global warming; nearly every country commits to emission-reduction goals; allows countries to set their own targets and provides financial support to developing nations for adaptation and clean energy transitions.