Environmental Law and Policy: Water, Air, and Pollution Regulations

What does nonpoint source pollution refer to under the Clean Water Act?

It is addressed in Section 319 which requires states to develop nonpoint source pollution management programs if they want to receive Section 319 funding.

Is it illegal to discharge pollutants into waters of the United States under the NPDES program?

False

What does TMDL refer to under the Clean Water Act?

It refers to the amount of a specific pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet Water Quality Standards.

Is a TMDL required for all waters on a state's 303(d) list?

True

Who approves or disapproves TMDLs under the Clean Water Act?

EPA

What is the Clean Water Act found?

At 33 U.S.C. 1251, et seq.

Can states apply to EPA for 'primacy' under the Safe Drinking Water Act?

False

What does the Safe Drinking Water Act authorize EPA to do?

Set standards to protect against contaminants in drinking water.

What are common sources of water pollution?

Stormwater runoff, malfunctioning sewage treatment plants, runoff from Confined Animal Feed Operations, and wastewater from hydraulic fracking.

What do Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards refer to?

How far vehicles must travel on a gallon of fuel.

Did the United States Supreme Court reject EPA's 'endangerment finding' in 2009?

False

What do New Source Performance Standards refer to under the Clean Air Act?

Technology-based standards that apply to certain categories of stationary sources.

Do states have the option of developing State Implementation Plans under the Clean Air Act?

False

How often must NAAQS be reviewed under the Clean Air Act?

Every five years.

What are primary standards under the Clean Air Act?

Required for each criteria pollutant and necessary to protect health.

Do NAAQS set national standards for indoor air quality?

False

What did Congress envision when passing the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970?

The federal government having exclusive jurisdiction for administering clean air programs.

What were the original six criteria pollutants in the Clean Air Act?

Carbon monoxide, ground level ozone, particulates, and lead.

Did the Clean Air Act of 1963 authorize the Environmental Protection Agency?

False

What are the major sources of air pollution?

Mobile sources, stationary sources, indirect sources, and natural sources.

Are taxes and subsidies used to prevent pollution?

False

What common law remedies can be used to address environmental issues?

Trespass, nuisance, and negligence.

What are some reasons supporting regulation to protect the environment?

The 'Tragedy of the Commons,' the 'Free-Rider' problem, and pollution as an economic externality.

Did modern day environmental regulation in the United States develop in the early 1900s?

False