Kyoto - The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) sets binding obligations on industrialized countries to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. (1997) US has not ratified it and Canada withdrew in Montreal – (1989) designed to phase out production of ozone depleting chemicals (CFCs, HCFCs, etc.). (IPCC)

CITES – (1975). ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild, and it accords varying degrees of protection to more than 34,000 species of animals and plants. (IUCN red list) International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling – (1948) The protection of all whale species from overhunting, the establishment of a system of international regulation for the whale fisheries, and safeguarding for future generations the great natural resources represented by whale stocks. International Whaling Commission was established.

Clean Air Act (CAA) (1963) established funding for the study and the cleanup of air pollution. In 1990, established six common air pollutants (also known as "criteria pollutants") to be monitored. They are particle pollution (often referred to as particulate matter) ground-level ozone carbon monoxide sulfur oxides nitrogen oxides lead Clean Water Act (CWA) (1972) - regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA, or Superfund) (1980) – clean up uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous-waste sites as well as accidents, spills, and other emergency releases of pollutants and contaminants into the environment. Through CERCLA, EPA was given power to seek out those parties responsible for any release and assure their cooperation in the cleanup. Partially a response to Love Canal

Endangered Species Act (1973) designed to protect critically imperiled species from extinction as a "consequence of economic growth and development untempered by adequate concern and conservation.“ Federal Register list made by USFWS and NOAA Designates “Critical habitat” in which Federal action cannot harm the endangered population.

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) (1972) provides for federal regulation of pesticide distribution, sale, and use by the EPA. Before EPA may register a pesticide under FIFRA, the applicant must show, among other things, that using the pesticide according to specifications "will not generally cause unreasonable adverse effects on the environment.''

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (1970) – Declared national environmental policies and goals Established action-forcing provisions for federal agencies to enforce those policies and goals Established a Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) in the Executive Office of the President

Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA) Set procedures to select sites for nuclear waste storage Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.

Oil Pollution Act (OPA) (1990) – streamlined and strengthened EPA's ability to prevent and respond to catastrophic 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. Pollution Prevention Act (PPA) (1990) – focused industry, government, and public attention on reducing the amount of pollution through cost-effective changes in production, operation, and raw materials use.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (1976) gives EPA the authority to control hazardous waste from the "cradle-to-grave." Includes the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. Set forth a framework for the management of non- hazardous solid wastes. The 1986 amendments to RCRA enabled EPA to address environmental problems that could result from underground tanks storing petroleum and other hazardous substances.

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) (1974) protect the quality of drinking water in the U.S. Focuses on all waters actually or potentially designed for drinking use, whether from above ground or underground sources. Authorizes EPA to establish minimum standards to protect tap water and requires all owners or operators of public water systems to comply with these primary (health-related) standards.

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (1976) provides EPA with authority to require reporting, record- keeping and testing requirements, and restrictions relating to chemical substances and/or mixtures. Certain substances are generally excluded from TSCA, including, among others, food, drugs, cosmetics and pesticides. Most substances in production at the time were grandfathered in (assumed to be safe if they weren’t known as toxic). TSCA addresses the production, importation, use, and disposal of specific chemicals including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), asbestos, radon and lead-based paint.

Atomic Energy Act (AEA) 1946 to promote the "utilization of atomic energy for peaceful purposes to the maximum extent consistent with the common defense and security and with the health and safety of the public." Chemical Safety Information, Site Security and Fuels Regulatory Relief Act 1999 reporting and disseminating information under Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act. The law has two distinct parts that pertain to: Flammable fuels, and Public access to Off-Site Consequence Analysis (OCA) data.

Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA), also referred to as the Ocean Dumping Act, generally prohibits 1) transportation of material from the US for the purpose of ocean dumping; 2) transportation of material from anywhere for the purpose of ocean dumping by U.S. agencies or U.S.- flagged vessels; 3) dumping of material transported from outside the United States into the U.S. territorial sea. A permit is required to deviate from these prohibitions.

SMCRA – Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 Requires permits to be obtained for surface mining Some lands (national parks, wilderness areas) are excluded from mining Requires the mining company to post a bond (put down a large sum of money) that is only released (returned to the company) after the mine is closed and the land is reclaimed in 5-10 years. Regulates mining practices

The MMPA prohibits, with certain exceptions, the "take" of marine mammals in U.S. waters and by U.S. citizens on the high seas, and the importation of marine mammals and marine mammal products into the U.S

Also known as Superfund CERCLA It is illegal for US citizens to kill whales MMPA New chemicals must be tested for toxicity TSCA The EPA must regulate the sale and use of pesticides FIFRA

Regulates distribution of rodenticides FIFRA Requires industrialized countries to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases Kyoto Protocol Associated with the IUCN Red List CITES It is illegal to transport endangered species across borders of participating countries CITES

Phase out production of ODCs (ODCs = ozone depleting chemicals) Montreal Established six criteria pollutants CAA Hazardous materials must be monitored from cradle to grave. RCRA

Requires the land to be returned to its natural state after mining has occurred SMCRA Established the Environmental Protection Agency NEPA Regulates discharge of pollutants in surface water in the US CWA Sets minimum standards for tap water quality CDWA (SDWA)