APES Required Legislation

AP/College Environmental Science required acts, legislations, and treaties

CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liablity Act)

Through taxes on chemicals, it identifies and prioritizes abandoned brown fields. Protects and clears up if the “polluter pays” principle cannot be used. Money to pay is provided by taxpayers.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty created to eliminate the broad use of CFCs/ODCs, Joined by many developed countries.

RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)

Governs the generation, transportation, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. This includes the cradle-to-grave responsibility.

Clean Water Act

Set standards for allowed levels of pollutants and requires industries to get permits that limit amounts they can discharge.

SWDA (Safe Drinking Water Act)

EPA establishes Maximum Containment Levels (MCL) for all polutants in public drinking water sources. Pb MCL Goal: 0 ppm. Pb Action Level: 15 ppm.

Delaney Clause

From the FDC Act. Requires FDA to ban food additives which are carcinogenic (cancer causing), regardless of amount.

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)

International agreement to ban the hunting, capturing, and selling og endangered species and their parts/products.

Clean Air Act

Regulates air emissions and air quality standards. Established NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards) for 6 outdoor pollutants: CO, SO2, NOx, SPM, O3, and Pb. Required reports to the TRI.

Endangered Species Act

Made it illegal to hunt, kill, injure, or collect endangered species, sell and buy their products, and damage their critical habitat. Private land is capable of government regulation.

Kyoto Protocol

International agreement that aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.