Chapter 25 Environmental Protection and Global Warming

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.25-2 Environmental Protection Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) An administrative agency created by Congress to coordinate federal environmental protection laws National Environmental Policy Act A federal statute that mandates that the federal government consider the adverse impact a federal government action would have on the environment before the action is implemented An environmental impact statement (EIS) must be prepared if the action would significantly affect the quality of the human environment.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.25-3 Air Pollution Clean Air Act A federal statute enacted to assist states in dealing with air problems Sources of air pollution Stationary sources such as factories Mobile sources such as motor vehicles National ambient air quality standards Standards for certain pollutants set by the EPA

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.25-4 Nonattainment Areas Regions that do not meet air quality standards are classified into categories: Marginal Moderate Serious Severe Extreme

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.25-5 Deadlines for Nonattainment Areas to Meet Standards States must submit compliance plans. Failure to develop or implement plans can result in sanctions. Loss of federal highway funds Limitation on new sources of emissions

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.25-6 Water Pollution The Clean Water Act authorizes the EPA to establish water pollution control standards. Water pollution Pollution of lakes, rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water Point sources Sources of water pollution such as paper mills, manufacturing plants, electric utility plants, and sewage plants

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.25-7 Water Pollution Thermal pollution Heated water or material discharged into waterways that upsets the ecological balance and decreases the oxygen content Wetlands Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or ground water that supports vegetation typically adapted for life in such conditions

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.25-8 Toxic Substances Control Act Some chemicals used for agricultural, industrial, and mining uses pose health hazards. Hazardous waste is solid waste that may cause an increase in mortality or serious illness; causes land pollution.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.25-9 Nuclear Waste Radiation pollution Emissions from radioactive wastes that can cause injury and death to humans and other life and can cause severe damage to the environment The EPA has authority to set standards for radioactivity and to regulate disposal.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall Endangered Species Endangered Species Act— a federal statute enacted to protect endangered and threatened species of animals The EPA and the Department of Commerce designate critical habitats for each of these species.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall State Environmental Protection Laws Many states have enacted environmental protection laws. Most states require an environmental impact statement for any proposed state action; may require private industries to also prepare EIS for proposed developments.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall Global Warming Greenhouse gases – scientists concern- carbon dioxide created by burning coal, oil and gas, as well as deforestation are causing a global warming effect creating a hole in the ozone layer around the earth.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall Kyoto Protocol 178 countries have agreed to the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty to reduce greenhouse gases. The United States did not sign the protocol but adopted its own regulations instead.

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall.25-14