chapter 25 environmental protection and global warming
TRANSCRIPT
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Chapter 25
Environmental Protection and Global Warming
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Environmental Protection Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
An administrative agency created by Congress to coordinate federal environmental protection laws
National Environmental Policy Act A federal statute that mandates that the federal
government consider the adverse impact a federal government action would have on the environment before the action is implemented
An environmental impact statement (EIS) must be prepared if the action would significantly affect the quality of the human environment.
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Air Pollution Clean Air Act
A federal statute enacted to assist states in dealing with air problems
Sources of air pollution Stationary sources such as
factories Mobile sources such as
motor vehicles National ambient air
quality standards Standards for certain
pollutants set by the EPA
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Nonattainment Areas Regions that do not meet air quality
standards are classified into categories: Marginal Moderate Serious Severe Extreme
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Deadlines for Nonattainment Areas to Meet Standards
States must submit compliance plans.
Failure to develop or implement plans can result in sanctions. Loss of federal highway funds Limitation on new sources of emissions
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Water Pollution The Clean Water Act
authorizes the EPA to establish water pollution control standards.
Water pollution Pollution of lakes, rivers,
oceans, and other bodies of water
Point sources Sources of water pollution
such as paper mills, manufacturing plants, electric utility plants, and sewage plants
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Water Pollution Thermal pollution
Heated water or material discharged into waterways that upsets the ecological balance and decreases the oxygen content
Wetlands Areas that are inundated or saturated
by surface water or ground water that supports vegetation typically adapted for life in such conditions
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Toxic Substances Control Act
Some chemicals used for agricultural, industrial, and mining uses pose health hazards.
Hazardous waste is solid waste that may cause an increase in mortality or serious illness; causes land pollution.
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Nuclear Waste 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
The EPA has authority to set standards for radioactivity and to regulate disposal.
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Endangered Species Endangered Species Act
—a federal statute enacted to protect endangered and threatened species of animals
The EPA and the Department of Commerce designate critical habitats for each of these species.
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State Environmental Protection Laws
Many states have enacted environmental protection laws.
Most states require an environmental impact statement for any proposed state action; may require private industries to also prepare EIS for proposed developments.
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Global Warming Greenhouse gases – scientists
concern-carbon dioxide created by burning coal, oil and gas, as well as deforestation are causing a global warming effect creating a hole in the ozone layer around the earth.
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Kyoto Protocol 178 countries have agreed to the
Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty to reduce greenhouse gases.
The United States did not sign the protocol but adopted its own regulations instead.
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