APES Laws and Treaties

laws

legal guidelines of a country

treaty

international agreement negotiated by representatives from countries worldwide

ratification

what must happen for a country to be held accountable under a treaty

EPA

the United States federal organization that enforces and oversees environmental laws

Clean Air Act

law that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources, enforces air quality standards to reduce pollutants

Clean Water Act

law that sets the maximum permissible amount of pollutants that can be discharged into waterways, established the water quality standards, aims to reduce surface water pollution

CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

law that address hazardous waste sites by providing federal funding for cleanups

ESA (Endangered Species Act)

law that aims to protect and recover species at risk of extinction and their habitat

Safe Drinking Water Act

law that authorizes the EPA to set standards for drinking water quality to regulate contaminants and protect public health

Delaney Clause of Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

law that prohibits the approval of any food additives show to cause cancer in humans/animals, applies to processed foods

RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)

law that provides the EPA authority to manage and regulate hazardous waste through disposal to protect public health and the environment