Environmental Policy Exam Review

A collection of vocabulary flashcards pertaining to key concepts in environmental policy, laws, and economics.

Environmental Policy

Involves rules and regulations designed to protect natural resources and public health.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

The cornerstone of U.S. environmental policy, requiring an environmental impact statement (EIS) for major federal projects.

Clean Water Act of 1972

Regulates waste discharge into streams and rivers.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Established in 1970 to protect human health and the environment.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty aimed at protecting the stratospheric ozone layer.

Green Taxes

Taxes on environmentally harmful activities or products that encourage pollution control.

Cuyahoga River

Helped inspire the Clean Water Act and the formation of the EPA due to its notable pollution issues.

Endangered Species Act

Legislation that lists species that are vulnerable, threatened, or endangered and provides protection for them.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits provided by nature to humans, such as air and water purification, soil formation, and climate regulation.

Cap-and-Trade System

A market-based approach to controlling pollution by providing economic incentives for reducing emissions.

Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI)

A measure that differentiates between desirable and undesirable economic activity.

Greenwashing

Corporate efforts to appear environmentally friendly with minimal actual impact.

CITES

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which ensures that international trade does not threaten species survival.

Sustainable Development

Economic progress that maintains resources for the future.

Command-and-Control Regulation

A regulatory approach where the agency prohibits actions or sets limits with penalties for violations.

Human Development Index (HDI)

A measure assessing standards of living, life expectancy, and education.

External Costs

Costs affecting others besides the buyer and seller, often related to environmental impacts.