Legislation Summary

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Clean Air Act

Aims to control air pollution and improve air quality. Sets standards of emissions for industry, vehicles, and other sources.

Clean Water Act

Regulates how water looks and dumping of pollutants into waterways as point pollution.

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

Regulates the trade of endangered species internationally.

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

Created superfund account in which businesses contribute to cleanup costs of contaminated sites.  Regulates the closure and cleanup of contaminated sites. 

Montreal Protocol

International agreement to phase out CFC’s for use of HCFC’s then eventually banned their use to repair ozone layer.

Kyoto Protocol

International agreement that aimed to lower Greenhouse Gas emissions. 

Endangered Species Act

USA law to protect at-risk species.  Species placed on the Endangered Species List are overwhelming protected from extinction. 

Safe Drinking Water Act

Regulates how water tastes and aims to protect the drinking water of the USA.

Delaney Clause - part of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

That banned cancer causing additives in food. 

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Regulates hazardous waste and creates a “cradle to grave” monitoring system.  This legislation also regulates and monitors sanitary landfills.