AP Environmental Science - Merritt - Environment Laws

Mr. Merritt

Clean Water Act (CWA)

A federal law enacted in 1972 to regulate the discharge of pollutants into the waters of the United States and to ensure water quality standards for surface waters.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

A law enacted in 1973 aimed at protecting and recovering imperiled species and their ecosystems. It provides for the conservation of threatened and endangered plants and animals and the habitats in which they are found.

Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES)

An international agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. CITES provides frameworks for regulating and monitoring trade of endangered species.

Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)

A federal law enacted in 1972 that prohibits the take of marine mammals in U.S. waters and by U.S. citizens on the high seas, aiming to protect and conserve marine mammal populations and their habitats.

National Energy Act

A series of laws passed in 1978 to promote energy conservation and the development of renewable energy sources. The Act aimed to reduce dependence on foreign oil and improve energy efficiency across various sectors.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

A federal law enacted in 1976 that governs the disposal of solid and hazardous waste, ensuring that waste management practices protect human health and the environment.

Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA)

A federal law enacted in 1965 that regulates the management and disposal of solid waste, promoting waste reduction and environmentally sound waste management practices.

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)

A federal law passed in 1986 that reauthorized the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) to address the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and enhance the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in managing such sites.

General Mining Act

A federal law enacted in 1872 that governs mineral exploration and extraction on public lands, promoting mining and development while ensuring environmental protections.

Hard Rock mining and reclamation Act

A federal law that sets standards for hard rock mining operations, aiming to minimize environmental impacts and ensure land reclamation after mining activities.

Kyoto Protocol

Treaty that established binding targets for industrialized countries to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

Montreal Protocol

Treaty that regulates the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (phased out nearly 99% of them) (very successful). (1987)

National Wildlife Refuge Systems Act

Conservation and propagation of native species and consolidation of authorities for refuge. (1966)

Pollution Protection Act (PPA)

Hazardous substance management, pollution prevention. (1990)

Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA)

Made the federal government responsible for finding a disposal site for radioactive waste (Department of Energy was assigned the task). The generators for the waste had to deal with the cost of permanent disposal of it. (1982)

Noise Control Act

Set a noise-emission standard for commercial products, aircraft, railroads, and motor vehicles. (1972)

Soil and Water Conservation Act (RCA)

The Department of Agriculture must appraise soil, water, ect. Condition on non federal lands and develop a national conservation program. (1977)

Toxic Substance Control Act

The EPA can require reports, records, and testing of chemical substances and mixtures that present “unreasonable risk” to humans and nature. (1976)

Wilderness Act

Protected areas from human habitation, permanent improvements, and mechanical transportation. (1964)

National Park Act

Conserve natural and historic resources for the future to enjoy. (1916)