APES Environmental Laws Flashcards

Clean Air Act (1970)

Regulates emissions from both mobile and stationary sources, as well
as hazardous emissions; establishes National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS) to protect human health.

Clean Water Act (CWA) (1972)

Regulates the discharge of pollutants into waterways and establishes
quality standards for surface waters, including industry wastewater standards.

Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) (1977)

Regulates coal-mining activities to protect both humans and
environments. It also governs the restoration of abandoned mining locations.

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) (1986)

Reauthorized cleanup activities of hazardous waste sites through the
Comprehensive Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). This
includes amendments, clarification of definitions, and technical
requirements to CERCLA and also authorized the Emergency Planning and
Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).

Endangered Species Act (ESA) (1973)

Protects threatened and endangered species and their habitats. The
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the U.S. National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are the organizations responsible
for enforcing the ESA, with the FWS in charge of maintaining a global
endangered species list.

Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act (Freedom to Farm Act) (1996)

Addresses farm conservation and wetland protection; makes loans
available in some situations for particular crops; improves the
production of milk, peanuts, and sugar; and created a commission to
review past and current agricultural production practices. This law is
administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Fish and Wildlife Act (1956)

Establishes a comprehensive fish, shellfish, and wildlife resource
policy with an emphasis on the commercial fishing industry. This is
administered by the Department of the Interior.

General Mining Act (1872)

Gives people the right to prospect and mine on federal lands, with
the exception of those protected from human impact (for example,
National Parks). Originally it was used as a way to promote the
settling of unused land. This law is administered by the Bureau of
Land Management.

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) (1974)

Serves to protect drinking water sources, both above and below
ground. Minimum standards are set for drinking water quality.

Lacey Act (1900)

First passed to protect game species and wild birds and has since
been expanded to include all plants and animals. The act prohibits the
trade in wildlife, fish, and plants that have been illegally taken,
possessed, transported, or sold. It is administered through the
Departments of the Interior, Commerce, and Agriculture.