Unit 1.9 Federalism in Action

Clean Water Act of 1972

Regulates the discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and monitors quality standards for surface waters

Clean Air Act of 1970

The law aimed at combating air pollution, by charging the EPA with protecting and improving the quality of the nation's air.

Controlled Substances Act of 1970

Defined drug abuse and classified drugs as to their potential for abuse; provided strict controls over the distribution, storage, and use of these drugs

Elementary and Secondary Education Act

1965 - This was the first federal program to fund education. Provided federal funding for primary and secondary education and was meant to improve the education of poor people.

Endangered Species Act of 1973

A law requiring the federal government to protect all species listed as endangered.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Replaced the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB); The act kept student achievement standards but returned accountability largely back to the states.

Kyoto Protocol (1997)

The main international treaty on global warming, which entered into effect in 2005 and mandates cuts in carbon emissions. Almost all the world's major countries, except the United States, are participants. The Senate didn't ratify the treaty.

National Environmental Policy Act

Environmental Impact Statements must be done before any project affecting federal lands can be started

No Child Left Behind Act

States were held more accountable for student achievement (standardized testing) under federal supervision.

Paris Agreement

An international plan among countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to minimize the impacts of climate change. US joined by executive order under Obama and then the US withdrew under Trump's executive order. Some argue the US never joined because the Senate never ratified it.