Environmental Acts Timeline

Delaney Clause of Food, Drug, and Cosmetic

Sep 6, 1957

prohibits the FDA from approving food additives that cause cancer in humans or animals

Clean Air Act

Dec 17, 1963

established a federal program within the U.S. Public Health Service and authorized research into techniques for monitoring and controlling air pollution

Clean Water Act

Oct 18, 1971

establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters

Endangered Species Act

Dec 28, 1973

provides a framework to conserve and protect endangered and threatened species and their habitats both domestically and abroad

Safe Drinking Water Act

Dec 16, 1974

sets the standards for drinking water quality and monitors states, local authorities, and water suppliers who enforce those standards.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Act

Jul 1, 1975

regulates the trade of animals and plants to ensure their survival in the wild

Hazardous Waste and Recovery Act

Oct 21, 1976

gives EPA the authority to control hazardous waste from cradle to grave

CERCLA

Dec 11, 1980

established prohibitions and requirements concerning closed and abandoned hazardous waste sites

Montreal Protocol

Sep 16, 1986

lobal agreement to reduce the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS)

Kyoto Protocol

Dec 11, 1997

established a rigorous monitoring, review and verification system, as well as a compliance system to ensure transparency and hold Parties to account.