Chapter 7 Environmental Policy

fracking

hydraulic fracturing-using pressurized fluid to create fractures in rock and release natural gas or petroleum

policy

a formal set of general plans and principles intended to address problems and guide decision making in specific instances

environmental policy

Laws, rules, and regulations related to an environmental problem that are developed, implemented, and enforced by a particular government agency.

tragedy of the commons

situation in which people acting individually and in their own interest use up commonly available but limited resources, creating disaster for the entire community

polluter-pays-principle

practice that those who pollute should bear costs of managing it to prevent damage to environment or human health

lobbying

A strategy by which organized interests seek to influence the passage of legislation by exerting direct pressure on members of the legislature.

revolving door

the cycle in which a person alternately works for the public sector and private sector, thus blurring the individual's sense of loyalty

executive order

A rule issued by the president that has the force of law

legislation

the act of making or enacting laws

administrative agency

A federal, state, or local government unit established to perform a specific function. Administrative agencies are created and authorized by legislative bodies to administer and enforce specific laws. For example: The EPA, FDA, NASA, NPS

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

(1969) Environmental Impact Statements must be done before any project affecting federal lands can be started

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

an independent federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment

Clean Air Act

Act passed in 1970 that lessened air pollution by limiting the emissions from factories and automobiles • Regulates ozone (O3), particulate matter, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and lead (Pb)

Endangered Species Act

(1973) identifies threatened and endangered species in the U.S., and puts their protection ahead of economic considerations

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

( 1974) set maximum contaminant levels for pollutants in drinking water that may have adverse effects on human health

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

(1976) Allows EPA screen existing & new chemicals for toxicity

Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

(1976) regulates hazardous waste storage and disposal by tracking them from cradle to grave or throughout entire period that the waste may be potentially harmful

Clean Water Act (CWA)

(1972) set maximum permissible amounts of water pollutants that can be discharged into waterways; aims to make surface waters swimmable and fishable

Soil and Water Conservation Act

(1977)This Act provides for a continuing appraisal of U.S. soil, water and related resources, including fish and wildlife habitats, and a soil and water conservation program to assist landowners and land users in furthering soil and water conservation.

Comprehensive Environmental Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund Act)

(1980) provides a federal "superfund" to clean up uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous- waste sites as well as accidents, spills, and other emergency releases of pollutants and contaminants into the environment

Kyoto Protocol

An international agreement drafted in 1997 to limit greenhouse gas emissions; went into effect in 2005

Montreal Protocol

an international agreement signed in 1987; to phase out chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to protect the ozone layer

World Bank

A specialized agency of the United Nations that makes loans to countries for economic development, trade promotion, and debt consolidation. Its formal name is the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

tort law

Is a civil wrong or wrongful act, whether intentional or accidental, from which injury occurs to another.

green taxes

taxes on environmentally harmful activities and products

subsidies

free government money or resources intended to promote desired activities

command-and-control

The typical system of regulation whereby government tells business how to reach certain goals, checks that these commands are followed, and punishes offenders

cap-and-trade

allows businesses to buy and sell permits that entitle the bearer to emit a certain amount of pollution. The government issues these permits and caps the total amount of pollution that may be produced.