All Flashcards
What is the Clean Air Act (CAA)?
US law regulating air emissions from stationary and mobile sources; sets air quality standards.
What is the Clean Water Act (CWA)?
US law regulating discharges of pollutants into waterways; aims to make water 'fishable and swimmable'.
What is CITES?
International agreement regulating trade in endangered species to prevent extinction.
What is CERCLA?
US law (Superfund) for cleaning up abandoned hazardous waste sites; holds polluters accountable.
What is the Montreal Protocol?
International treaty to phase out ozone-depleting substances.
What is the Kyoto Protocol?
International agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; US did not sign.
What is the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?
US law protecting endangered and threatened species; restricts activities harming listed species.
What is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)?
US law protecting public drinking water supplies; sets standards for contaminants.
What is the Delaney Clause?
Part of US Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; prohibits carcinogenic additives in food and drugs.
What is RCRA?
US law regulating hazardous waste from 'cradle to grave'; tracks waste from generation to disposal.
What is the process of Superfund cleanup?
Identification of site, assessment of contamination, development of cleanup plan, implementation of cleanup, long-term monitoring.
What is the process of listing a species under the Endangered Species Act?
Petition, review by USFWS, determination of status (endangered or threatened), designation of critical habitat, development of recovery plan.
What is the process for regulating a pollutant under the Clean Air Act?
EPA identifies a pollutant, sets air quality standards, states develop plans to meet standards, monitoring and enforcement.
What is the effect of ozone depletion?
Increased UV radiation reaching Earth's surface, leading to skin cancer, cataracts, and harm to ecosystems.
What is the effect of releasing criteria pollutants into the air?
Respiratory problems, smog, acid rain, and damage to ecosystems.
What is the effect of water pollution from point sources?
Harm to aquatic life, contamination of drinking water, and reduced recreational opportunities.
What is the effect of habitat destruction on endangered species?
Loss of food sources, breeding grounds, and shelter, leading to population decline and extinction.
What is the effect of greenhouse gas emissions?
Global warming, climate change, sea level rise, and extreme weather events.
What is the effect of improper hazardous waste disposal?
Soil and water contamination, human health risks, and ecosystem damage.
What is the effect of lead in the atmosphere?
Neurological damage, especially in children.