1. Chapter 45 Environmental Protection and Global Warming

2. Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Created in 1970 to coordinate implementation and enforcement of federal environmental laws
Broad rule-making powers
Adjudicative powers
Can initiate judicial proceedings against suspected violators of federal environmental laws
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3. Environmental Impact Statement
National Environmental Policy Act: Mandates that federal government must consider the adverse impact a federal government action would have on the environment before the action is implemented
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4. Environmental Impact Statement
A document that must be prepared for any proposed legislation or major federal action that significantly affects the quality of the human environment
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5. Environmental Impact Statement
EIS must:
Describe affected environment
Describe impact of project
Identify and discuss alternatives
List resources to be committed
Contain cost-benefit analysis
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Air Pollution
Pollution caused by factories, homes, vehicles, and the like that affects the air
Clean Air Act: Enacted in 1963 to assist states in dealing with air pollution
Clean Air Act Amendments: Provides comprehensive regulation of air quality in this country
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7. Sources of Air Pollution
Stationary sources: Industrial plants, oil refineries, public utilities
States must identify major sources and develop plans to reduce pollution.
Mobile sources: Automobiles, airplanes, and other vehicles
Clean Air Act sets emission standards, requires air pollution controls on vehicles
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8. National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Established by the EPA
Standards set at two levels:
Primary -to protect human beings
Secondary - to protect vegetation, matter, climate, visibility, and economic values
States responsible for enforcement
Required to prepare state implementation plans
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Nonattainment Areas
Regions that do not meet air quality standards
Five categories, ranging from marginal to extreme
States must submit compliance plans that:
Identify major sources of air pollution
Institute permit systems for new stationary source
Implement inspection programs
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Water Pollution
Water pollution: Affects human health, recreation, agriculture, and business
Clean Water Act: First enacted in1948, amended several times
EPA has established water quality standards
Primarily enforced by states
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Water Pollution
Sources of water pollution such as paper mills, manufacturing plants, electric utility plants, and sewage plants
Dischargers must obtain permits, keep records, maintain monitoring equipment, and keep samples of discharge
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Water Pollution
Thermal pollution: Prohibited because heated water or material discharged into waterways that upsets the ecological balance and decreases the oxygen content
Sources of thermal pollution are subject to the provisions of the Clean Water Act and regulations adopted by the EPA
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Water Pollution
Wetlands: Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or ground water that support vegetation typically adapted for life in such conditions
CWA forbids filling or dredging of wetlands or navigable waters without permit from Army Corps of Engineers
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Water Pollution
Safe Drinking Water Act:
Authorizes the EPA to establish national primary drinking water standard
Prohibits the dumping of wastes into wells used for drinking water
States primarily responsible for enforcing the act
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Water Pollution
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act:
Extends environmental protection to the oceans
Requires a permit for dumping wastes and other foreign materials into ocean waters
Establishes marine sanctuaries in ocean waters and in the Great Lakes and their connecting waters
Oil Pollution Act: Requires oil industry to adopt procedures and contingency plans
Administered by the U.S. Coast Guard
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16. Toxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes
Toxic substances: Chemicals used for agricultural, industrial, and mining - cause injury to humans, birds, animals, fish, and vegetation
Toxic Substances Control Act: Authorizes the EPA to regulate toxic substances
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17. Toxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act: Requires pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides to be registered with the EPA
EPA may deny, suspend, or cancel registration
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18. Toxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes
Causes land pollution
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): Regulates the disposal of new hazardous wastes
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19. Toxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes
Hazardous waste: Solid waste that may cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or serious illness or pose a hazard to human health or the environment if improperly managed
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund): A federal statute that authorizes the federal government to deal with hazardous wastes
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20. Toxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes
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
Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Licenses the construction and opening of commercial nuclear power plants
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Endangered Species
Endangered Species Act: Protects endangered and threatened species of wildlife
Act requires EPA and the Department of Commerce to designate critical habitats for each endangered and threatened species
Act prohibits the taking of any endangered species
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Federal Wildlife Laws
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Bald Eagle Protection Act
Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act
Marine Mammal Protection Act
Migratory Bird Conservation Act
Fishery Conservation and Management Act
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
National Wildlife Refuge System
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23. State Environmental Protection Laws
Many state and local governments have enacted statutes and ordinances to protect the environment
Some states have enacted special environmental statutes to protect unique areas within their boundaries
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