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Delaney Clause of Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (US)
The Delaney Clause is part of the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. It prohibits adding cancer-causing substances to food. Passed in 1958, this clause applies to any food additive found to induce cancer in humans or animals, ensuring that what people consume is free from harmful chemicals. It reflects a commitment to public health by preventing potentially dangerous substances from entering the food supply. -
Clean Air Act (US)
The Clean Air Act is a U.S. law designed to control air pollution on a national level. It requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set and enforce standards for air quality, limiting harmful emissions from industries and motor vehicles. The goal is to protect public health and the environment from the effects of air pollution. This law has significantly improved air quality in the U.S. since its enactment. -
Clean Water Act (US)
The Clean Water Act is a piece of legislation in the United States, aimed at keeping our waterways safe. It sets guidelines for pollution control and aims to restore and maintain the water bodies. By regulating discharges into water sources and enforcing strict standards, it safeguards the environment and public health. This law shows the importance of preserving clean water for current and future generations, fostering sustainable practices and responsible stewardship of our natural resources. -
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (INT)
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is a global agreement to protect wildlife. Signed by over 180 countries, it controls the trade of animals and plants at risk of extinction. CITES lists species in different levels of protection, requiring permits for trading. This treaty helps prevent the decline of endangered species by monitoring and regulating their international trade. -
Endangered Species Act (US)
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a U.S. law aimed at protecting endangered species from extinction. Passed in 1973, it allows for the conservation of animals and plants that are in danger of disappearing. The law prohibits harming these species, trading them, or damaging their habitats. It also requires the government to create plans to help recover listed species to a point where they no longer need protection. The ESA has been effective in saving species from extinction. -
Safe Drinking Water Act (US)
The Safe Drinking Water Act, a crucial US law, ensures the safety of public drinking water supplies. It sets standards for contaminants and pollutants, protecting citizens from harmful substances. Through monitoring and regulation, it guarantees clean and potable water for all, promoting public health and well-being. -
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (US)
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is a U.S. law that manages the disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. Enacted in 1976, it sets rules for waste management programs to protect human health and the environment. The act focuses on reducing waste, encouraging recycling, and ensuring that waste is disposed of safely. RCRA also regulates the management of waste from its creation to disposal, helping to prevent contamination of land, air, and water. -
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, Liability Act (US)
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund, is a U.S. law aimed at cleaning up sites contaminated with hazardous substances. It holds parties responsible for pollution liable for cleanup costs and provides federal authority to respond directly to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment. -
Montreal Protocol (INT)
The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of substances responsible for ozone depletion. Adopted in 1987, it targets chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which were used in aerosols and refrigeration. Countries that sign the protocol commit to reducing and eventually eliminating the use of these chemicals. This treaty has been successful in reducing ozone-depleting substances and aiding the recovery of the ozone layer. -
Kyoto Protocol (INT)
The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that commits its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the premise that global warming exists and human-made CO2 emissions have caused it. It was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997 and it sets binding emission reduction targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European community. Its aim is to lower overall emissions from six greenhouse gases.