Environmental Laws

Major types of environmental laws in the United States Some laws set standards for pollution levels (Clean Air Acts, Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Clean Air Act, etc.) Some laws screen new substances for safety (such as the Toxic Substances Control Act) Another type encourages resource conservation (such as the National Energy Act)

Major types of environmental laws in the United States Some laws set aside or protects certain species, resources, and ecosystems. (Endangered Species Act, and Wilderness Act are examples)

Major Environmental Laws: The Clean Air Act(s)-passed in 1970, 1977, and 1990. With these laws the federal government established air pollution regulations that focus on key air pollutants

Major Environmental Laws Clean Water Act-(1972) regulates the discharge of pollutants into US waters by industry. Clean Drinking Water Act (1974)-established maximum contaminant levels for any pollutants that have an adverse effect on human health

Major Environmental Laws The National Park Act (1916)-law set aside land in National Parks to preserve nature for future generations National Park Service Act (1916) established the National Park Service to manage and maintain the parks

Major Environmental Laws Antarctic Treaty System-signed by over 40 countries including the US. Provides for the following: -tourism must be monitored and controlled by scientists -Antarctic protected as a wilderness area -no mining

Major Environmental Laws Endangered Species Act of 1973-established to protect the habitats of certain protected and endangered species from human impact.

Major Environmental Laws Montreal Protocol-(1987) works to reduce emissions of chlorofluorocarbons through regulation and phasing out of certain chemicals (aerosol propellants and coolants) This was done to stop ozone depletion and reverse its negative effects on the planet