1. The Marine Mammal Protection Act was enacted in 1972. The Marine Mammal Protection Act was enacted in 1972. This act was put into place for several reasons: Humans were harming marine mammals for their own personal use, and subsequently endangering many species. This was a problem because the mammals had proven to be resources of great international significance and use. This act was put into place for several reasons: Humans were harming marine mammals for their own personal use, and subsequently endangering many species. This was a problem because the mammals had proven to be resources of great international significance and use. The function of the law was to protect certain marine mammals from poachers in US territory so that they could re-populate. The function of the law was to protect certain marine mammals from poachers in US territory so that they could re-populate. The MMPA seems to have made a significant difference in protecting marine mammals. For example, after the United States banned the import of tuna caught in ways that harm dolphins (dolphin safe tuna), the incidental deaths of dolphins dropped nearly 80 percent across the globe. The MMPA is complemented by the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, which preserve marine mammal habitat more directly. In general, the MMPA has helped marine mammals significantly and subsequently led to many other similar acts being legislated. The MMPA seems to have made a significant difference in protecting marine mammals. For example, after the United States banned the import of tuna caught in ways that harm dolphins (dolphin safe tuna), the incidental deaths of dolphins dropped nearly 80 percent across the globe. The MMPA is complemented by the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, which preserve marine mammal habitat more directly. In general, the MMPA has helped marine mammals significantly and subsequently led to many other similar acts being legislated.

2. Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer International treaty designed to protect the ozone layer Limits and eventually eliminates the production of a number of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. Went into effect January 1, 1989 Has gone through seven revisions Quoted by Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan as “Perhaps the single most successful international agreement to date

3. Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (cont’d) Chemists Frank Sherwood Rowland and Mario Molina found that chlorofluorocarbons were damaging to the ozone layer Chemists Frank Sherwood Rowland and Mario Molina found that chlorofluorocarbons were damaging to the ozone layer The treaty mainly deals with several groups of halogenated- hydrocarbons that contain either chlorine or bromine to stop The treaty mainly deals with several groups of halogenated- hydrocarbons that contain either chlorine or bromine to stop As a result of this treaty, the levels of the most important halogenated-hydrocarbons have either leveled off or decreased As a result of this treaty, the levels of the most important halogenated-hydrocarbons have either leveled off or decreased

4. Clean Air Act Amended in 1970,1977and 1990 Amended in 1970,1977and 1990 The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) was first created 1970 The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) was first created 1970 Congress directed the EPA to establish national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) to regulate nationwide air quality for outdoor criteria pollutants – carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, suspended particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, ozone, & lead. Congress directed the EPA to establish national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) to regulate nationwide air quality for outdoor criteria pollutants – carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, suspended particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, ozone, & lead.

5. Clean Air Act 2 limits Set to protect human health Set to protect human health Prevent environmental and property damage Prevent environmental and property damage Since 1990, the Act has required each state to have a permit program that requires major sources of air pollution to obtain a permit and adhere to emission limits and monitoring requirements. Since 1990, the Act has required each state to have a permit program that requires major sources of air pollution to obtain a permit and adhere to emission limits and monitoring requirements. Due to its severe air pollution problems, the Act permits the State of California to establish more stringent emission limitations on vehicles. Due to its severe air pollution problems, the Act permits the State of California to establish more stringent emission limitations on vehicles.

6. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (of 1977) The great demand for coal during World War II led to coal being mined with little regard for the environment. By 1973 surface mines produced 60% of American coal. The great demand for coal during World War II led to coal being mined with little regard for the environment. By 1973 surface mines produced 60% of American coal. The function is to regulate the environmental effects of coal mining. SMCRA created two programs: one for regulating active coal mines and the second for reclaiming abandoned mine lands. The function is to regulate the environmental effects of coal mining. SMCRA created two programs: one for regulating active coal mines and the second for reclaiming abandoned mine lands. requires that companies obtain permits before conducting surface mining. requires that companies obtain permits before conducting surface mining. requires that mining companies post a bond sufficient to cover the cost of reclaiming the site. requires that mining companies post a bond sufficient to cover the cost of reclaiming the site. gives government regulators the authority to inspect mining operations, and to punish companies that violate SMCRA or an equivalent state statute. gives government regulators the authority to inspect mining operations, and to punish companies that violate SMCRA or an equivalent state statute. prohibits surface mining altogether on certain lands, such as in National Parks and wilderness areas. It also allows citizens to challenge proposed surface mining operations on the ground that they will cause too much environmental harm. prohibits surface mining altogether on certain lands, such as in National Parks and wilderness areas. It also allows citizens to challenge proposed surface mining operations on the ground that they will cause too much environmental harm.

7. National Environmental Policy Act This act requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into their decision making process by considering the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to those actions. This act requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into their decision making process by considering the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to those actions. To meet NEPA requirements, federal agencies prepare a detailed statement known as an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). To meet NEPA requirements, federal agencies prepare a detailed statement known as an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EPA reviews and comments on EIS’s prepared by other federal agencies, and maintains a national filing system for all EIS’s. The EPA reviews and comments on EIS’s prepared by other federal agencies, and maintains a national filing system for all EIS’s. The EPA also insures that its own actions comply with NEPA The EPA also insures that its own actions comply with NEPA

8. National Environmental Policy Act Signed into law January 1, 1970 NEPA was enacted due to increased environmental concern for wildlife and habitat protection. Public interest groups were worried about political decisions affecting the environment and persuaded politicians to pass this law. This act requires all federal agencies to consider the environmental impact their decisions have and evaluate their actions in order to find a solution that benefits the common good by taking care of the environment as well as solving the problem at hand. It applies to all projects that involve federal funding or work by the federal government. To prove they’ve followed this law, the group has to issue an Environmental Impact Statement for evaluation by EPA. This law affects many decisions made involving the National Forest Service and the Federal Highway Association as well as regulations on placing of military bases, etc. It helps increase environmental concern by regulating many different aspects of political decisions and making sure the environment isn’t harmed.

9. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act FIFRA first passed in 1947, but rewritten in 1972 FIFRA first passed in 1947, but rewritten in 1972 Created to control the growing problem of pesticide use and enforce regulations on pesticides Created to control the growing problem of pesticide use and enforce regulations on pesticides Objective: to provide federal control of pesticide distribution, sale, and use. Objective: to provide federal control of pesticide distribution, sale, and use. All pesticides used in the United States must be registered (licensed) by EPA All pesticides used in the United States must be registered (licensed) by EPA As a result of this act, harsher restrictions have been put on pesticide use which helps prevent risk causes by pesticides As a result of this act, harsher restrictions have been put on pesticide use which helps prevent risk causes by pesticides

10. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Also known as CERCLA Also known as CERCLA Authorizes Superfund, an account used to pay federal cleanup costs Authorizes Superfund, an account used to pay federal cleanup costs Enacted December 11, 1980 Enacted December 11, 1980 Enacted in response to the detection of toxic waste dumps including the Love Canal and Times Beach (two tragic cases of pollution) Enacted in response to the detection of toxic waste dumps including the Love Canal and Times Beach (two tragic cases of pollution)

11. Function Impact Function Impact Created regulations and restrictions for closed and abandoned waste sites Created regulations and restrictions for closed and abandoned waste sites Established liability for the person responsible Established liability for the person responsible Created Superfund to provide for cleanup when no one could be found guilty Created Superfund to provide for cleanup when no one could be found guilty Allowed short-term and long-term responses by the government Allowed short-term and long-term responses by the government Gave federal government authority to respond to hazardous waste release Gave federal government authority to respond to hazardous waste release Over 5 years 1.6 billion was collected and put into Superfund Over 5 years 1.6 billion was collected and put into Superfund Forced companies to be more careful with waste Forced companies to be more careful with waste Gave federal government the right to enforce environmental safety Gave federal government the right to enforce environmental safety Allowed thousands of sites with hazardous waste to be identified and analyzed Allowed thousands of sites with hazardous waste to be identified and analyzed Provoked community involvement Provoked community involvement

12. Endangered Species Act (ESA) President Richard Nixon declared current species conservation efforts to be inadequate and called on the Congress to pass comprehensive endangered species legislation. Congress responded by creating the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Function: it was designed to protect critically imperiled species from extinction.

13. Authorizes the determination and listing of species as endangered and threatened; Prohibits unauthorized taking, possession, sale, and transport of endangered species; Provides authority to acquire land for the conservation of listed species, using land and water conservation funds; Authorizes establishment of cooperative agreements and grants-in-aid to States that establish and maintain active and adequate programs for endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; Authorizes the assessment of civil and criminal penalties for violating the Act or regulations; and Authorizes the payment of rewards to anyone furnishing information leading to arrest and conviction for any violation of the Act or any regulation issued there under. As of August, 2008, 4 species have been delisted

14. Oil Pollution Act The Oil Pollution Act was activated in August of 1990. The most largely known event that led to the enactment of the law was the Exxon Valdez incident.

15. It has strengthened the government’s ability to prevent and respond to catastrophic oil spills. It provides the money and resources necessary to respond to oil spills. A trust fund financed by a tax on oil is available to clean up spills when the responsible party is incapable or unwilling to do so (the largest source of income for the fund is from the 5-cents-per-barrel tax on imported and domestic oil). Requires oil storage facilities and vessels to submit to the federal government plans detailing how they will respond to large discharges. The OPA also requires the development of Area Contingency Plans to prepare and plan for oil spill response on a regional scale. The Oil Pollution Act caused a major restructuring of the oil industry

16. Toxic Substances Control Act *WHY WAS IT CREATED?* By the early 1970s, it was realized that no law existed to regulate the use of toxic substances. After debates between the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, Congress finally compromised and passed the Toxic Substance Control Act. FUNCTION: It gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the power to study chemicals and, if necessary, limit or ban their manufacture or use. Created in 1976

17. IMPACTS OF THIS LAW The TSCA now requires chemical manufacturers to notify and provide test data to the EPA at least 90 days before releasing a new substance. This law has helped maintain the use of hazardous substances that would otherwise be ignored.

18. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) - Created in 1976 to amend the Solid Waste and Recovery Act -Due to the improper handling of hazardous wastes organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency advocated the creation of an amendment to the Solid Waste and Recovery Act. -The act was created for the purpose of: Protecting human health and the environment from the potential hazards of waste disposal. Conserving energy and natural resources Reducing the amount of waste generated Ensuring that wastes are managed in an environmentally-sound manner Encouraging reuse, reduction, and recycling - - Due to the extensive tracking elements at all points of the life of the hazardous waste, the overall process is called “cradle to grave” - - The program enforces strict bookkeeping and reporting requirements on generators, transporters, and operators of treatment storage and disposal facilities that handle hazardous waste - - The act contains a “whistle blower” policy. This protects employees in the U.S. who believe that they were fired for enforcing this law. - - The act has been successful in dramatically reducing hazardous waste in the environment. - - The act has also had some economic impact on companies due to the strict regulations.

19. Clean Water Act (1972) The main purpose of the Clean Water Act is to make all water in the US suitable for wildlife such as fish and shellfish to live in, and suitable for human recreation. It does this mainly by regulating pollution. At first, the EPA was only concerned with point-source pollution, however, in the 1980’s, they started also focusing on non-point source pollution. It focuses on keeping healthy water healthy as well as fixing impaired water. All dischargers (corporate or municipal) of pollution/materials into water must have a permit Uniform nation-wide standards for water quality and treatment

20. Situations leading to Enactment of Clean Water Act and its Impacts Because of the rapid growth/industrialization of the US, the quality of water in rivers, harbors, lakes, and oceans had deteriorated. Hundreds of public lakes and beaches were closed due to water pollution. The Great Lakes, Boston Harbor, and Potomac River were extremely affected. The Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio caught fire in 1969 because there was so much marine oil, gas, and industrial waste on its surface. Because this event was given so much publicity, the American people realized the need for the passing of legislation such as the CWA. Impacts Considered one of the most successful pieces of environmental legislation in US history Number of lakes and rivers that are now suitable for wildlife and recreation has risen by 70% since early 1970’s, including revitalization of Great Lakes, urban harbors, and even the Cuyahoga River. Different success stories from many states, especially those with lots of rivers, lakes and oceans. Hawaii, for example, has many success stories.

21. Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change The Kyoto Protocol is a propriety to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC) The Kyoto Protocol is a propriety to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC) It is a global ecological treaty produced at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), It is a global ecological treaty produced at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 3–14 June 1992 3–14 June 1992

22. And… The treaty is intended to achieve stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous interference with the climate system. The treaty is intended to achieve stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous interference with the climate system. The Kyoto Protocol establishes legally binding commitments for the reduction of four greenhouse gases which are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride. The Kyoto Protocol establishes legally binding commitments for the reduction of four greenhouse gases which are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride.

23. However, The United States did not sign on making it difficult for true international cooperation. The United States did not sign on making it difficult for true international cooperation. The reason the US objected was of emissions trading and carbon credits. The reason the US objected was of emissions trading and carbon credits.

24. Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species Became a law in 1975 This law was made because it became obvious that we needed to draft an international agreement that will protect wild animals and plants. It’s focus is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival

25. Impacts of CITES 80 countries agreed to sign with the law All import, export, re-export and introduction from the list of species covered by the Convention has to be authorized through a licensing system. Protects more than 33,000 species Only one species that was protected by CITES in the wild has become extinct due to trading

26. Safe Drinking Water Act Passed by Congress in 1974 Passed by Congress in 1974 The SDWA was passed because of congressional concerns about organic chemical contaminants in drinking water and the inefficient manner by which states supervised and monitored drinking water supplies. The SDWA was passed because of congressional concerns about organic chemical contaminants in drinking water and the inefficient manner by which states supervised and monitored drinking water supplies. Congress originally passed the SDWA to protect public health by regulating the nations public drinking water supply. Congress originally passed the SDWA to protect public health by regulating the nations public drinking water supply.

27. Safe Drinking Water Act In 1986 and 1996 the law was amended and required any actions to protect drinking water and its sources: rivers, lakes, springs, ground water wells, and reservoirs. The 1996 amendments greatly enhanced the existing law by recognizing source water protection, operator training, funding for water system improvements, and public information as important components of safe drinking water. This approach ensures the quality of drinking water by protecting it from source to tap. SDWA applies to every public water system in the United States. There are currently more than 160,000 public water systems providing water to almost all Americans at some time in their lives. SDWA applies to every public water system in the United States. There are currently more than 160,000 public water systems providing water to almost all Americans at some time in their lives.