APES Big 10 Laws and Legislations

Clean Air Act (CAA)

US Policy, controls air pollution, authorizes EPA to establish air quality standards to protect public health/welfare, regulates emmisions of hazardous air pollutants

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

US policy, forces branches of govt. to consider the environmental impacts of their actions. Required Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)(think about actions, possibly choose other options, cost-benefit analysis, $ incentives) on all projects. Formed EPA - Protects health/environment, research, monitor environmental quality, set standards for pollution, assist states, educate public

Clean Water Act (CWA)

US Policy, Regulates discharges of pollutants and sets quality standards for surface water and wastewater standards.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

US Policy, Protects endangered species. People can't jeopardize the continued existence of listed species. Drastic modifications of habitats for such species can't be done on public or private land. No taking, importing, exporting, or selling of protected species is allowed

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

International Policy, ensures that the trade of animal/plant across borders will not threaten the survival of the species. You can't sell, trade, or transport endangered/protected species or their parts

Safe Drinking Water Act

US Policy, Protects public drinking water supplies (surface waters and groundwater resources). Sets standards for drinking water quality. Implements various technical/financial programs to ensure safety.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) "Cradle-to-Grave-Act"

US Policy, gives EPA authority to control hazardous waste from the "cradle-to-grave". Including the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Also manages non-hazardous wastes. Revisions include addressing environmental problems that could result from underground tanks storing petroleum and other hazardous substances

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Reliability Act (CERCLA) "Superfund"

US Policy, Funded program to clean up the nation's most grossly polluted sites. Funds used to clean up uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites as well as accidents, spills, and other emergency releases of pollutants/contaminants. EPA is allowed to find the people/companies involved and force their cooperation in the cleanup. Costs are super high

Montreal Protocol

International Policy, Decrease emissions of substances that deplete the ozone layer by restricting and phasing out their production (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs (aerosols, refrigerants, air conditioners.

Kyoto Protocol

International Policy, Reduce emissions of 6 greenhouse gases to extremely low levels. US did not agree to treaty, most scientists agree it wouldn't have made a difference anyway