Acts and Laws Flashcards
Clean Air Act
Regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources.
Set limits for criteria pollutants:
- Sulfur Oxides (SOx)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Particulate Material (PM)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- Ozone (tropospheric)
- Lead
Clean Water Act
Makes it unlawful for anyone to discharge any point source pollutants without permits.
- The act requires that “Best Practicable Technology” (BPT) be used to clean point sources and “Best Available Technology” (BAT) be used to clean up toxins.
- This act funds construction of several important facilities such as sewage treatment plants and includes provisions for protecting wetlands.
The main goal of this act is to get to the point where all water is “fishable and swimmable.”
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
The intention behind this act is to “protect public health” through regulation of public drinking water supply.
The act protects the sources of drinking water - including reservoirs, lakes, and rivers.
Above ground or underground sources are included
CITES
Regulates trade in living specimen & products derived from listed endangered species.
Stops extinction.
Endangered Species Act
This United States law identifies endangered, threatened, and vulnerable species. In addition, it places restrictions and regulations on any recreational or commercial activities involving these.
Montreal Protocol
An international treaty to eliminate production and consumption of ozone depleting substances (ODS). Signed by all of UN. Phases out substances including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and carbon tetrafluorides.
Kyoto Protocol
The aim of the protocol is to bind the countries that sign the act to regulations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. the United States was one of the only countries to object to the protocol, with representatives refusing to sign it.
Delaney Clause Of Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
It states that chemical additives “found to induce cancer in man” or in animals could NOT be approved for use in foods by the FDA. Any carcinogens causing “reasonable harm” could not be added to food or drugs.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Also called the “cradle to grave” act as it gives the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to control any hazardous waste at all stages. It requires shippers, generators, and disposers to keep detailed accounts of the type and amount of hazardous waste that is handled from the time of generation to final disposal.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
Main purpose is to clean up and/or contain abandoned toxic waste sites using the concept of a superfund. The EPA was given the power to hold the parties responsible for any toxic waste release.
