Legislation Summary

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.