chapter 25 environmental protection and global warming

Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall. 25-1

Chapter 25

Environmental Protection and Global Warming


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.


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


Nonattainment Areas Regions that do not meet air quality

standards are classified into categories: Marginal Moderate Serious Severe Extreme


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


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


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


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.

chapter 25 environmental protection and global warming

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