Environmental Laws, Agencies, and Treaties - Sam Kline

Lacey Act

May 25, 1900

This law prohibits illegally trafficking fish, wildlife, or plants from being transported or sold

World Bank

Jun 25, 1946

This agency provides financing, advice and research to developing countries to fight poverty.

World Health Organization

Apr 7, 1948

This agency promotes health by ensuring health coverage and protects people from health emergencies.

Delaney Clause of Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

Sep 6, 1958

This law banned food additives that were tested and proven to cause cancer in animals or people.

National Environmental Policy Act

Jan 1, 1970

This law requires federal agencies to give consideration to the environment before taking federal action

Environmental Protection Agency

Dec 2, 1970

This agency protects the environment from pollution, pesticides, and other posed dangers.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Dec 29, 1970

This agency ensures safe working conditions by providing education and training.

Clean Air Act

Dec 31, 1970

This law controls pollution, it defines the EPA’s responsibilities for air quality and ozone.

United Nations Environmental Program

Jun 5, 1972

This agency develops international agreements to better manage the environment.

Clean Water Act

Oct 18, 1972

This law regulates pollutant discharges in water and gives the EPA authority to implement pollution control programs

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

Mar 3, 1973

This treaty protects endangered plants and animals by banning international trade that would threaten their survival.

Endangered Species Act

Dec 28, 1973

This law conserves and preserves endangered and threatened species and their habitats.

Safe Drinking Water Act

Dec 16, 1974

This law protects drinking water and set drinking water quality so all drinking water is safe

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Oct 21, 1976

This law gave the EPA the ability to control hazardous waste from cradle to grave

Surface Mining and Reclamation Act

Aug 3, 1977

This law banned surface coal mining within the boundaries of a national park

Department of Energy

Oct 1, 1977

This agency handles issues concerned with the handling of nuclear material and ensuring it is safe.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, Liability Act

Dec 11, 1980

This law provides funds to hazardous waste sites that need to be cleaned up or they will harm the environment.

Montreal Protocol

Sep 15, 1987

This treaty was designed to fix the ozone layer by phasing out the use of CFC’s

Kyoto Protocol

Dec 11, 1997

This treaty commited wealthy nations to limit and reduce greenhouse gasses, it failed due to nations not hitting their target.