Ethics Chapter 17
A post-Kyoto international agreement was reached at the Paris Climate Change Conference in 2015. The so-called Paris Agreement has several key provisions which include all but which of the following. A) Governments agreed to establish ambitious new climate change targets every five years through 2030. B) Governments agreed to keep the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. C) Governments agreed to report every five years on their progress. D) The EU and other developed countries agreed to provide financing to assist developing countries to reduce emissions and to build resilience to climate change impacts.
A A post-Kyoto international agreement was reached at the Paris Climate Change Conference in 2015. This agreement has governments agreed to keep the increase in global average temperature to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels; to report every five years on their progress and new targets; and for the EU and other developed countries to provide financing to assist developing countries to reduce emissions and to build resilience to climate change impacts.
As part of its program to ________, California began running its own carbon cap-and-trade program on January 1, 2013. A) cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 B) implement stricter vehicle emissions C) regulate air pollution D) offer targeted tax incentives
A As part of its program to cut GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, California began running its own carbon cap-and-trade program on January 1, 2013, the second-largest such program in the world, following only the European Union's. In 2009, the House of Representatives passed a cap-and-trade bill to address greenhouse gas emissions, but the Senate declined to act on it.
Which of the following countries is currently the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world? A) China B) Russia C) The United States D) India
A China is now the largest greenhouse gas emitter, and the United States is the only developed country in the list of top four emitters. India and Russia are in third and fourth place, respectively.
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, A) toxic chemicals, assess their risks, and control dangerous chemicals may be identified. B) companies must notify the EPA before they export new industrial chemicals. C) the Environmental Protection Agency is empowered to review the introduction of new chemicals, but may not limit or stop the introduction of new chemicals. D) companies must provide sufficient safety data to the EPA proving the new substance does not pose a "substantial risk."
A In 1976, Congress approved the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to identify toxic chemicals, assess their risks, and control dangerous chemicals. Under the terms of the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is empowered to review and limit or stop the introduction of new chemicals. Companies must notify the EPA before manufacturing or importing new industrial chemicals, but they need not provide any safety data unless the data they have suggest the substance poses a "substantial risk."
The federal government has been willing to grant ________ to encourage solar installations, production of power from wind turbines, and purchasing certain new fuel-efficient cars, such as hybrids. A) federal income tax credits B) fewer regulatory requirements C) land subsidies D) federal oversight
A In various years, the federal government has been willing to grant federal income tax credits, which reduce the amount of tax owed, for solar installations, production of power from wind turbines, and purchasing certain new fuel-efficient cars, such as hybrids.
Which of the following laws provides liability protection for prospective purchasers and contiguous property owners and authorizes increased funding for state and local programs that assess and clean up industrial sites that are no longer in use? A) The Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act B) The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act C) The Hazardous Waste Control Act D) The Superfund Act
A The 2002 Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act (Brownfields Act) provides liability protection for prospective purchasers and contiguous property owners and authorizes increased funding for state and local programs that assess and clean up brownfields. Worried about liability risks, developers were often reluctant to buy and improve brownfield sites.
The ________ amendments of 1970 and 1977 gave the Environmental Protection Agency the power to set air quality standards and to ensure that those standards are achieved according to a timetable prescribed by the agency. A) Clean Air Act B) Air Pollution Control Act C) National Environmental Policy Act D) Toxic Substances Control Act
A The Clean Air Act (CAA) amendments of 1970 and 1977 gave the Environmental Protection Agency the power to set air quality standards and to ensure that those standards are achieved according to a timetable prescribed by the agency. Politics brought clean air to the fore in 1990 and the Clean Air Act of 1990 followed.
The ________ is commonly known as the Superfund. A) Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act B) Toxic Waste Substances Act C) National Environmental Protection Act D) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
A The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), more commonly known as the Superfund, was enacted for the purpose of identifying and cleaning up abandoned hazardous waste sites. The process involves the assessment and ranking of proposed sites, followed by the development and implementation of cleanup plans for sites added to the National Priorities List.
The legal process involved in the protection of endangered species is a complicated and time-consuming one. It is also costly for all but which of the following groups? A) Lawyers representing citizens groups on both sides of the issue B) The government and, therefore, all of us as taxpayers C) Those whose lives and livelihoods may be substantially altered by the protections extended D) The species and our world in the event necessary protections are not extended or are not effective.
A The combination of the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale and Arizona Cattle Grower's Association decisions illustrates how complicated and time-consuming the legal process is for the protection of species. It is also costly—for citizen groups on both sides, for the government (and therefore all of us as taxpayers), for those whose lives and livelihoods may be substantially altered by the protections extended, and for the species and our world in the event necessary protections are not extended or are not effective.
Which of the following is a drawback of the Clean Water Act? A) It remains unclear precisely which waters are covered by the Act. B) Its goals do not include achieving water quality sufficient for recreation in and on the water. C) Its jurisdiction on navigable waters is limited to monitoring the discharge of pollutants into the water bodies. D) Its enforcement is the sole responsibility of the federal government and thus the act is partially enforceable.
A The goals of the Clean Water Act are implemented primarily by imposing limits on the amount of pollutants that may lawfully enter U.S. waters from any "point source" (typically a pipe). However, regulation of point sources leaves many pollutants unmonitored.
Which of the following statements is true of the Clean Air Act? A) Air quality standards are set federally, but the states are required to establish implementation plans to achieve and maintain those standards. B) Private companies receiving federal contracts, funding, licenses, and the like may be parties to the completion of an environmental impact statement. C) Limits are imposed on the amount of pollutants that may lawfully enter the air of the United States from any "point source." D) All pollutant dischargers are required to secure an Environmental Protection Agency permit before releasing ozone-destroying particles.
A Under the Clean Air Act, air quality standards are set federally, but the states are required to establish implementation plans to achieve and maintain those standards. In recent years, considerable high-profile litigation over clean air standards has occurred.
Seventy percent of the toxic waste in the landfills comes from ________. A) chemically treated paper B) electronics C) discarded opioid medication D) industrial chemicals
B Seventy percent of the toxic waste in the landfills comes from electronics. The United States is the only industrialized country that has not ratified the Basel Convention, a treaty prohibiting export or trafficking in toxic e-waste.
The Environmental Protection Agency was created in 1970 to mount a coordinated attack on environmental problems. Its duties primarily include A) providing financial assistance to the private sector to find alternative sources of energy. B) assisting state and local pollution control efforts. C) assessing fines against businesses for violating the Environmental Protection Act. D) drafting agreements between the United States and its trading partners concerning the environmental effects of international trade.
B The Environmental Protection Agency's duties include, among other things, (1) gathering information, particularly by surveying pollution problems, (2) conducting research on pollution problems, (3) assisting state and local pollution control efforts, and (4) administering many of the federal laws directed to environmental concerns. The Environmental Protection Agency was created in 1970 to mount a coordinated attack on environmental problems.
Which of the following statements is true of the Kyoto Protocol? A) It called for a 50 percent reduction from 1990 levels of greenhouse gas emissions to be achieved by 2010. B) It became binding when ratified by 180 countries, on Russia's ratification in late 2004. C) It was ratified first by the United States. D) It acknowledged that underdeveloped countries were principally responsible for the greenhouse gas levels at that time.
B The Kyoto Protocol became binding when ratified by 180 countries, on Russia's ratification in late 2004. The United States never ratified the protocol.
A broad array of enforcement actions is available to both state and federal agencies. All but which of the following are used if the government resorts to litigation? A) The government may seek an injunction to prevent continued or future violations. B) Monetary civil penalties and fines may not be imposed under most environmental statutes, but criminal prosecution is allowed. C) Although many suits are brought, most are settled rather than litigated. D) The government may require the polluter to remediate the environmental damage that has occurred.
B The government may resort to litigation and seek an injunction to prevent continued or future violations or to require the polluter to remediate the environmental damage that has occurred. Monetary civil penalties and fines may be imposed under most environmental statutes. Governments that have incurred cleanup costs responding to the violation may also seek recovery of those costs. Although many suits are brought, most are settled rather than litigated.
In an environmental law context, ________ has been considered where crop dusting contaminated adjacent properties, toxic chemicals were improperly disposed of, and oil contaminated a nearby water well. A) negligence per se B) private nuisance C) strict liability D) public nuisance
C In an environmental law context, strict liability has been considered where crop dusting contaminated adjacent properties, toxic chemicals were improperly disposed of, and oil contaminated a nearby water well. Certain activities, such as the use of toxic chemicals, may be seen as so abnormally dangerous as to give rise to a strict liability claim.
Individuals may challenge government environmental decisions, such as the granting of a permit, and generally demand both governmental and private-sector compliance with the law in A) compliance actions. B) permit actions. C) citizen suits. D) challenge suits.
C Many environmental statutes allow citizen suits, in which individuals may challenge government environmental decisions, such as the granting of a permit, and generally demand both governmental and private-sector compliance with the law. Citizen suits have often been brought under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which provides a federal program for the protection of threatened and endangered species and their habitats.
The act governing the safe movement and disposal of hazardous solid wastes is the A) Hazardous Waste Act. B) Toxic Substances Control Act. C) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. D) Environmental Protection Act.
C Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act is designed to ensure the safe movement and disposal of hazardous solid wastes. The generator of the waste must determine if that waste is hazardous under Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
Which of the following statements is true of the National Environmental Policy Act? A) Its environmental provisions diminished federal presence in the promotion of a clean and healthy environment. B) It requires an environmental impact statement for all activities affecting the environment, whether public or private. C) Its primary influence results from its environmental impact statement (EIS) requirements. D) It was the first law that required a permit to discharge refuse into navigable waters.
C The National Environmental Policy Act's primary influence results from its environmental impact statement (EIS) requirements. With few exceptions, "proposals for legislation and other major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment" must be accompanied by an EIS explaining the impact on the environment and detailing reasonable alternatives.
The dangers of both nonhazardous and hazardous solid wastes are addressed by which of the following acts addresses? A) The Solid Waste Materials Safety Act B) The Toxic Waste Substances Act C) The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act D) The Environmental Protection Act
C The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act addresses both nonhazardous and hazardous solid wastes. Its provisions for nonhazardous wastes are more supportive than punitive in tone and approach.
Regarding environmental problems, a cost-benefit analysis must take into consideration for all but which of the following questions? A) How much as a society are we willing to pay? B) Do we want clean air at any cost? C) How do we value human life, represented by a statistical decrease in deaths or illness from exposure to environmental pollutants or by decreased productivity? D) What is the exact dollar amount to protect the country through 2050?
D A cost-benefit analysis as applied to environmental protection includes the following questions: How much as a society are we willing to pay? Do we want clean air at any cost? How do we value human life, represented by a statistical decrease in deaths or illness from exposure to environmental pollutants or by decreased productivity? When does environmental protection cause the sacrifice of short-term economic development? Are there offsetting long-term economic benefits? Can these costs and benefits be measured?
A hog farm has expanded with all the appropriate permits from related agencies. Since the expansion, people living within a few miles of the plant are overwhelmed by the smell and noise of the livestock. Assuming the odor and noise does not threaten the residents' safety, what common law claim would best address the citizens' complaints in this scenario? A) A trespass claim B) A negligence tort claim C) A strict liability tort claim D) A nuisance claim
D A nuisance claim would best address the citizens' complaints in this scenario. A private nuisance is a substantial and unreasonable invasion of the private use and enjoyment of one's land; a public nuisance is an unreasonable interference with a right common to the public.
Which of the following statements is not true of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act? A) Either the EPA or private parties that clean up the waste site may seek reimbursement of costs from those liable under the Act. B) Potentially responsible parties include present owners of the contaminated site as well as past owners who operated the site when the hazardous wastes were deposited. C) Any parties found to be responsible are strictly liable—that is, liability attaches without proof of either intent or negligence. D) Cleanups of the waste site may be carried out only by the Environmental Protection Agency and not private parties.
D As per the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, cleanups may be carried out by the EPA or private parties, either of which may seek reimbursement of costs from those liable under the Act. Potentially responsible parties include present owners of the site as well as past owners who operated the site when the hazardous wastes were deposited. Any parties found to be responsible are strictly liable—that is, liability attaches without proof of either intent or negligence.
Which of the following factors has hindered the successful implementation of the Clean Water Act? A) It remains unclear if the state or the federal government is primarily responsible for the implementation of the act. B) Its jurisdiction is limited to monitoring the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters. C) It is implemented by the states under the supervision of the Environmental Protection Agency. D) It remains unclear exactly what waters are covered by the act.
D Decades after Clean Water Act (CWA) enactment, it remains unclear exactly what waters are covered by the act and therefore subject to EPA regulation. The goals of the Clean Water Act are implemented primarily by imposing limits on the amount of pollutants that may lawfully enter U.S. waters from any "point source" (typically a pipe).
Which of the following events is reducing the world's carbon sink capacity? A) The increasing extinction rate B) The receding glaciers in the Arctic region C) The rapidly increasing acid content in oceans D) The deliberate burning of forests in the Amazon and Indonesia
D Deliberate burning of forests in the Amazon and Indonesia reduces the world's carbon sink capacity, as well as releasing previously captured carbon into the atmosphere. Deforestation in Indonesia is substantially related to its production of palm oil for export—to be used as biodiesel fuel in European vehicles.
In the context of the Clean Water Act, A) the Environmental Protection Agency has the sole authority to implement the Clean Water Act. B) all waters that come under the jurisdiction of the federal government have been clearly defined. C) regulation of point sources has successfully eliminated surface water runoff. D) goals of the Act are implemented primarily by imposing limits on the amount of pollutants that may lawfully enter U.S. waters from any "point source" (typically a pipe).
D The 1972 CWA was designed to "restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters." The goals of the Act are implemented primarily by imposing limits on the amount of pollutants that may lawfully enter U.S. waters from any "point source" (typically a pipe). The states have primary responsibility for enforcing the Clean Water Act (CWA), but the Environmental Protection Agency is empowered to assume enforcement authority if necessary. Regulation of point sources still leaves many pollutants unmonitored. Surface water runoff is polluted with our lawn fertilizer, pet waste, and grease and oil from vehicles. Surface water is also polluted by runoff from large row crop, hog, cattle, and poultry farms.
The Clean Water Act was designed to accomplish all but which of the following? A) Achieve water quality sufficient for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife. B) Eliminate the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters. C) Restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters. D) Recycle all waste water in an effort to eliminate water pollution.
D The 1972 Clean Water Act (CWA), designed to "restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters," established two national goals: (1) achieving water quality sufficient for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and for recreation in and on the water and (2) eliminating the discharge of pollutants into navigable waters. The states have primary responsibility for enforcing the CWA.
The Clean Air Act of 1990 has all but which of the following requirements? A) It required tougher auto emission controls. B) It required cleaner-burning gasoline. C) It required new equipment to capture industrial and business pollution. D) It required a 50-percent reduction in all airborne pollutants by 2020.
D The Clean Air Act of 1990 phased in new standards over a period of years, generally required tougher auto emission controls, cleaner-burning gasoline, and new equipment to capture industrial and business pollution, all of which worked toward the general goal of reducing airborne pollutants by about 50 percent. Under the CAA, air quality standards are set federally, but the states are required to establish implementation plans to achieve and maintain those standards.
Which of the following was enacted for the purpose of identifying and cleaning up abandoned hazardous waste sites? A) The Basel Act B) The Toxic Substances Control Act C) The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act D) The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
D The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), more commonly known as the Superfund, was enacted for the purpose of identifying and cleaning up abandoned hazardous waste sites. The process involves the assessment and ranking of proposed sites, followed by the development and implementation of cleanup plans for sites added to the National Priorities List.
The Council on Environmental Quality, which serves as an adviser to the president, was created by which of the following? A) The North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation B) The Kyoto Protocol C) The Basel Convention D) The National Environmental Policy Act
D The National Environmental Policy Act established the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), which serves as an adviser to the president. The CEQ is a watchdog of sorts.
Which of the following statements is not true of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act? A) Its provisions include safe movement and disposal of hazardous solid wastes. B) It does not cover recycled hazardous materials. C) Its provisions for nonhazardous solid wastes are more supportive than punitive. D) It requires the EPA to determine if the waste to be moved is hazardous.
D The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act's provisions for nonhazardous wastes are more supportive than punitive in tone and approach. The federal government is authorized to provide technical and financial assistance to states and localities; to prohibit future open dumping; and to establish cooperative federal, state, local, and private-enterprise programs to recover energy and valuable materials from solid waste. Recycled hazardous materials are not covered by RCRA, although they may be subject to other EPA regulations. Subtitle C of the RCRA is designed to ensure the safe movement and disposal of hazardous solid wastes. The generator of the waste must determine if that waste is hazardous under EPA guidelines.
Which of the following factors poses a problem in tackling environmental concerns? A) If a decision is taken to correct an environmental problem, the entire burden of the correction falls on the poorest section of society. B) Environmental protection in the United States is just a matter of science, cost assessment, and social policy. C) The federal government plays an insignificant role in the protection of the environment. D) When performing a cost-benefit analysis, the criterion that should be used to evaluate the cost to future generations is not clear.
D When performing a cost-benefit analysis, the criterion that should be used to evaluate the cost to future generations is not clear. In the case of certain decisions related to the environment, future generations will bear the brunt of the decision, whatever choice is made.
Regarding climate change, all but which of the following have been observed? A) On September 16, 2012, the Arctic ice sheet shrank to a record low—half of what it was in 1979. B) Acidification of the oceans weakens shells, which means fewer shelled organisms. It may also endanger such commercially important species as marlin, mackerel, and tuna. C) Deforestation in Indonesia is substantially related to its production of palm oil for export—to be used as biodiesel fuel in European vehicles. D) In 2016, the average global temperature was lowest recorded in 20 years.
D With regard to global climate change, the following have been observed: (1) On September 16, 2012, the Arctic ice sheet shrank to a record low—half of what it was in 1979; (2) Acidification of the oceans weakens shells, which means fewer shelled organisms. It may also endanger such commercially important species as marlin, mackerel, and tuna; and (3) Deforestation in Indonesia is substantially related to its production of palm oil for export—to be used as biodiesel fuel in European vehicles. However, 2016 was the third year in a row that average global temperatures set a record high, and scientists blame the trend, along with an El Niño, on man-made global warming.
A trespass occurs when there is any invasion, intentional or unintentional, of an individual's right to the exclusive use of his or her own property.
False A trespass occurs and liability is imposed on any intentional invasion of an individual's right to the exclusive use of his or her own property. For example, in a 1959 Oregon case, Martin v. Reynolds Metals Co., the plaintiffs successfully sued in trespass for damages caused by the operation of an aluminum reduction plant, which caused certain fluoride compounds in the form of gases and particulates to become airborne, settle on the plaintiffs' land, contaminate their forage and water, and poison their cattle.
The Clean Water Act clearly states what waters are covered by the act and therefore subject to Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
False Decades after the enactment of the Clean Water Act (CWA), it remains unclear exactly what waters are actually covered by the act and therefore subject to Environmental Protection Agency regulations. In the 2001, Northern Cook County case, the Supreme Court looked at what qualifies as "navigable waters" for purposes of the CWA. Only a bare majority (five) of the justices agreed with this decision; the remaining four dissented.
Environmental protection in the United States is just a matter of social policy and is free from political influences.
False Environmental protection in the United States is not just a matter of science, cost assessment, and social policy; it is also a matter of politics. California, for example, has historically received permission from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to impose stricter vehicle emission standards than federal law requires.
Other targeted market incentives have also been employed to address environmental issues; however, direct subsidies in the nature of rebates are rarely used.
False Other targeted market incentives have also been employed to address environmental issues. For example, direct subsidies in the nature of rebates are not uncommon. One example is the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project administered by The California Environment Protection Agency's Air Resources Board, which offers rebates of up to $7,000 for the purchase or lease of certain new zero-emission vehicles.
The main purpose of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 is to allow private citizens to sue for damages caused by hazardous chemicals.
False The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), more commonly known as the Superfund, was enacted for identifying and cleaning up abandoned hazardous waste sites. The process involves the assessment and ranking of proposed sites, followed by the development and implementation of cleanup plans for sites added to the National Priorities List.
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requires all dischargers to secure a permit from their local environmental agency before pouring effluent into a navigable stream.
False The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requires all dischargers to secure a permit, most often from the Environmental Protection Agency, but at times from some other government agency, before pouring effluent into a navigable stream. The permit specifies maximum permissible levels of effluent and typically also mandates the use of a particular pollution control process or device to ensure that level is not exceeded.
The bulk of the environmental laws and regulations in the United States were drafted to address broad problems created by industrialization.
False The bulk of the environmental laws and regulations in the United States were drafted to address compartmentalized and discrete issues. They may be inadequate to address the interrelationships that characterize both the environment and the social and political structures.
In the context of the cap-and-trade program, pollution credits are issued to the least significant emitters of the pollutant for which a cap is set.
False The government issues pollution credits to the most significant emitters of the pollutant for which a cap is set. The concept behind cap-and-trade incentives is that a government sets a cap on the total emissions of a particular pollutant. That cap is lower than the existing level of emissions.
The Environmental Protection Agency focuses solely on pollution control efforts on federal lands.
False The private sector was not left without regulation or constraint. The duties of the Environmental Protection Agency include, among other things, (1) gathering information, particularly by surveying pollution problems, (2) conducting research on pollution problems, (3) assisting state and local pollution control efforts, and (4) administering many of the federal laws directed to environmental concerns. The agency was created in 1970 to mount a coordinated attack on environmental problems.
The federal government is primarily responsible for the enforcement of the Clean Water Act.
False The states have primary responsibility for enforcing the Clean Water Act (CWA), but the Environmental Protection Agency is empowered to assume enforcement authority if necessary. While the CWA has resulted in enormous improvements, but many problems still exist.
Under the Clean Air Act, only state governments are responsible for setting air quality standards.
False Under the Clean Air Act, air quality standards are set federally, but the states are required to establish implementation plans to achieve and maintain those standards. In recent years, considerable high-profile litigation over clean air standards has occurred.
The Brownfields Act provides liability protection for owners of brownfield sites.
False Worried about liability risks, developers were often reluctant to buy and improve brownfield sites. The Brownfields Act provides liability protection for prospective purchasers and contiguous property owners and authorizes increased funding for state and local programs that assess and clean up brownfields.
Nuisance is a substantial and unreasonable invasion of the private use and enjoyment of one's land or an unreasonable interference with a right common to the public.
True A private nuisance is a substantial and unreasonable invasion of the private use and enjoyment of one's land; a public nuisance is an unreasonable interference with a right common to the public. Harmful conduct may be both a public and private nuisance simultaneously; the case law distinctions between the two are often blurred.
As early as 1899, Congress enacted a law that required a permit to discharge refuse into navigable waters.
True As early as 1899, Congress enacted a law that required a permit to discharge refuse into navigable waters. The federal government has long maintained a role in the protection of the environment—some argue too great a role.
Early clean air legislation in 1963 and 1965 afforded the government limited authority.
True Early clean air legislation in 1963 and 1965 afforded the government limited authority. The Clean Air Act amendments of 1970 and 1977 gave the Environmental Protection Agency the power to set air quality standards and to ensure that those standards are achieved according to a timetable prescribed by the agency.
The cap-and-trade program leads to the use of the most cost-effective pollution reduction methods to reach the desired environmental goals.
True Programs such as the cap-and-trade program allow the most cost-effective pollution reduction methods to be used to reach the desired environmental goals. The United States was very successful using this approach to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions that were a major factor in the creation of acid rain.
Recycled hazardous materials are not covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
True Recycled hazardous materials are not covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, although they may be subject to other Environmental Protection Agency regulations. The Act addresses both nonhazardous and hazardous solid wastes.
The United States has been successful in using the cap-and-trade approach to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions that were a major factor in the creation of acid rain.
True The United States was very successful in using the cap-and-trade approach to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions that were a major factor in the creation of acid rain. By 1999, electric utilities produced about 41 percent more electricity than they had in 1980 while emitting 25 percent fewer tons of sulfur dioxide. In 2007, total sulfur dioxide emissions dropped below the long-term goal, ahead of the 2010 statutory deadline.
Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the provisions for nonhazardous wastes are more supportive than punitive in tone and approach.
True Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the provisions for nonhazardous wastes are more supportive than punitive in tone and approach.