Environmental Science Laws and Acts

Land Use and Conservation

Taylor Grazing Act of 1934 (p. 614) - Requires permits and fees for the use of federal grazing lands and placed limits on the number of livestock that could be grazed. Wilderness Act of 1964 (p. 615) - Authorized the government to protect undeveloped tracts of public land as part of the National Wilderness System unless Congress later decides they are needed for the national good. Land in this system is to be used only for nondestructive forms of recreation such as hiking and camping. Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act of 1968 - Directs Forest Service to give equal consideration to outdoor recreation, range, timber, water, wildlife and fish. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 - Mandates that certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish, wildlife, historical, cultural, or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition. It also directs that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. National Trails System Act of 1968 (p. 639) - Protects scenic and historic hiking trails in the National Trails System. National Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 - Plans to preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to restore or enhance, the resources of the Nation's coastal zone for the present and succeeding generations. Forest Reserves Management Act of 1974 - Application of forestry practices to government-owned forests in the United States. Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Act of 1974 Requires Federal agencies to develop resource management plans on lands affected bytheiractions. Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (p. 616) - Gave the Bureau of Land Management its first real authority to manage the public land under its control. National Forest Management Act of 1976 - It allowed clear-cutting if it was judged necessary by the Forest Service. The Service was to move away from timber management of marginal lands, but it was to determine what fell under that category. In addition: trees could be cut down in old age, but the agency h a d permission to lower that age when it saw fit; and timber could be harvested only at an even rate. Soil and Water Conservation Act of 1977 - It created the Soil and Water Conservation Program within the Department of Natural Resources to promote soil and water conservation by preventing erosion. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 - This Act required reclamation standards, performance bonds, and mandatory restoration progress on coal lands abandoned prior to August 3, 1977. The Act also set forth fees to be paid on all active mining operations. Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 - The Act makes it unlawful, unless authorized by permit: to take native mammals or birds, to engage in harmful interference, to enter specially designated areas, to introduce species to Antarctica, to introduce substances designated as pollutants, to discharge designated pollutants, and to import certain Antarctic items into the U.S. Endangered American Wilderness Act of 1978 - This Act generally prohibits commercial

activities, motorized access, and infrastructure developments in congressionally designated areas. Alaskan National Interest Lands Conservation Act (Alaska Lands Act) of 1980 - Provides for a right of access to non-federally owned land and to preserve scenic and geological values associated with natural landscapes. It also provided for the maintenance of the habitat and wildlife species that are valuable to the state of Alaska and the nation. Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 - This Act designated various undeveloped coastal barrier islands, depicted by specific maps, for inclusion in the Coastal Barrier Resources System (System). Areas so designated were made ineligible for direct or indirect Federal financial assistance that might support development (including flood insurance) except for emergency life-saving activities. Exceptions for certain activities, such as fish and wildlife research, are provided, and National Wildlife Refuges and other, otherwise protected areas are excluded from the System. Food Security Act of 1985 - Allowed lower commodity price and income supports and established a dairy herd buyout program.

Wildlife Conservation
Lacey Act of 1900 (p. 705) - Prohibits transporting live or dead wild animals or their parts across state borders without a federal permit. Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 - Provides protection for migratory birds. Under this Act, it is unlawful to take, import, export, possess, buy, sell, purchase, or barter any migratory bird. Feathers or other parts, nests, eggs, and products made from migratory birds are also covered by this Act. Taking is defined as pursuing, hunting, shooting, poisoning, wounding, killing, capturing, trapping, or collecting. Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929 - Establishes a Migratory Bird Conservation Commission to approve areas recommended by the Secretary of the Interior for acquisition with Migratory Bird Conservation Funds. Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act of 1934 (p. 615) - Requires waterfowl hunters to buy a federal duck hunting license. Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson Act) of 1937 (p. 615) - Levied a federal tax on all sales of guns and ammunition. Anadromous Fish Conservation Act of 1965 - This Act authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce to enter into cooperative agreements with the States and other non-Federal interests for conservation, development, and enhancement of anadromous fish. These include those in the Great Lakes. It also contributes up to 50 percent as the Federal share of the cost of carrying out such agreements. Fur Seal Act of 1966 - Prohibits, except under specified conditions, the taking, including transportation, importing or possession, of fur seals and sea otters. Exceptions are authorized for Indians, Aleuts, and Eskimos who dwell on the coasts of the North Pacific Ocean, who are permitted to take fur seals and dispose of their skins. The statute also authorized the Secretary of Interior to conduct scientific research on the fur seal resources of the North Pacific Ocean. Species Conservation Act of 1966 - This law allowed listing of only native animal species as endangered and provided limited means for the protection of species so listed. The Departments of Interior, Agriculture, and Defense were to seek to protect listed species, and insofar as consistent with their primary purposes, preserve the habitats of such species. Land acquisition for protection of endangered species was also authorized. National Wildlife Refuge System Act of 1966 - To acquire, preserve, and protect over 500 parcels of land set aside as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 - Ensures that marine mammals are maintained at, or in some cases restored to, healthy population levels. Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 - Prevents or strictly limits the dumping into ocean waters of any material that would adversely^affect human health, welfare, or amenities, or the marine environment, ecological systems, or economic potentialities. Endangered Species Act of 1973 (p. 705) - Makes it illegal for Americans to import or trade in any product made from an endangered or threatened species unless it is used for an approved scientific purpose or to enhance the survival of the species. The next revision authorizes the National Marine Fisheries Service to identify and list endangered and threatened ocean species; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identifies and lists all other endangered and threatened species. Whale Conservation and Protection Study Act of 1976 - This statute directs the Secretary of Commerce to undertake comprehensive studies of all whales found in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 - This law established a 200-mile fishery conservation zone, and established Regional Fishery Management Councils comprised of Federal and State officials, including the Fish and Wildlife Service. Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978 - Authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce to establish, conduct, and assist with national training programs for State fish and wildlife law enforcement personnel. It also authorized funding for research and development of new or improved methods to support fish and wildlife law enforcement. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1980 - The Act enables the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to provide sound management of the province's fish and wildlife well into the next century.

Pesticides
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Control Act of 1972 Requires that all commercial pesticides be approved by the EPA for general or restricted use.

General
National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 - Requires comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impact of an activity before it is undertaken by a federal agency. International Environmental Protection Act of 1983 - This Act authorizes the President to assist countries in protecting and maintaining wildlife habitat and provides an active role in conservation by the Agency for International Development. It further provides that AID shall use the World Conservation Strategy as an overall guide for actions to conserve biological diversity. Funds are explicitly denied for actions that significantly degrade national parks or similar protected areas, or introduce exotic plants or animals into such areas.

Energy
Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 - Sets energy' conservation standards for certain major household appliances, and requires the Department of Energy to administer an energy conservation program for these products. National Energy Act of 1978 - Ensures sustained economic growth while also permitting the economy time to make an orderly transition from the past era of inexpensive energy resources to a period of more costly energy. National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 - require DOE to consider amending the energy

conservation standards for fluorescent lamp ballasts. Energy Policy Act of 1992 - This Act provides for improved energy-efficiency. It includes provisions to allow for greater competition in energy-sales and amendments to section 211 of the Federal Power Act.

Water Quality
Water Quality Act of 1965 - States were directed to develop water quality-standards establishing water quality goals for interstate waters. Water Resources Planning Act of 1965 - The act provides for a plan to formulate and evaluate water and related land resources projects. Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1965 - Set standards for pollution levels or limiting emissions or effluents for various classes of pollutants. Ocean Dumping Act of 1972 - Regulates intentional ocean disposal of materials, and to authorize related research. Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 (p. 557) - Requires the EPA to establish national drinking water standards, called maximum contaminant levels, for any pollutants that may have adverse effects on human health. Water Resources Development Act of 1986 - Authorizes and modifies projects for navigation, flood control, environmental restoration, recreation, hurricane and storm damage reduction, ecosystem restoration, shore protection, aquifer storage and recovery, and navigation mitigation. Clean Water Act of 1977 (p. 550) - The goals included making all U.S. surface waters safe for fishing and swimming by 1983 and to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the nation's waters. The revision requires states to develop and execute plans to control non-point pollution, and establish a federal wetlands protection program. Ocean Dumping Ban Act of 1988 - Provides a partial ban on ocean dumping and prohibits the dumping of sewage sludge and industrial waste.

Air Quality
Clean Air Act of 1963 - Set standards for pollution levels or limiting emissions or effluents for various classes of pollutants based on current technology. Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 - Congress declares that pollution should be prevented, products recycled, and if neither is feasible, it should be taken care of in an environmentally safe manner.

Noise Control
Noise Control Act of 1965 - Promotes an environment for all Americans free from noise that jeopardizes their health or welfare. To that end, it is the purpose of this Act to establish a means for effective coordination of Federal research and activities in noise control, to authorize the establishment of Federal noise emission standards for products distributed in commerce, and to provide information to the public respecting the noise emission and noise reduction characteristics of such products. Quiet Communities Act of 1978 - Gives the EPA input to the Federal Aviation Administration regarding noise and how it affects health. It also calls for a study on how aircraft noise affects health.

Resources and Solid Waste Management

Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965 - Congress declares the generation of solid waste is to be reduced or eliminated as thoroughly as soon as soon as possible and waste that is still produced needs to be

treated, stored and disposed of. Resource Recovery Act of 1970 - Provides the (EPA) with funding for resource recovers' programs. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 - Established a system for managing non-hazardous and hazardous solid wastes in an environmentally sound manner. Specifically, it provides for the management of hazardous wastes from the point of origin to the point of final disposal Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act of 1987 - This law prohibits the dumping of plastics in all U.S. waters and applies to all watercraft, including the smallest recreational boat to the largest commercial ship. It also requires marinas to maintain adequate facilities for the disposal of refuse regulated under this Act.

Toxic Substances
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act of 1975 - This act works to improve the regulatory and enforcement authority of the Secretary of Transportation to protect the Nation adequately against risks to life and property which are inherent in the transportation of hazardous materials in commerce. Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 - Screened new substances for safety before they are widely used. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 - Established the federal program regulating solid and hazardous waste management. It authorizes the EPA to set standards for facilities that generate or manage hazardous waste and establishes a permit program for hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (p. 604) Established a 16.3 billion dollar Superfund financed jointly by federal and state governments and by special taxes on chemical and petrochemical industries. It provides liability' for those responsible for illegal waste dumping as well as a trust fund to clean up sites when the responsible parties could not be found or determined. Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 - Calls for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel in a repository in a deep geologic formation that is unlikely to be disturbed for thousands of years. It also established an office in the DOE to develop such a repository and required the program's civilian costs to be covered by a fee on nuclear-generated electricity.

Others
Federal Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (p. 336) - Requires local governments to adopt floodplain development regulations in order to be eligible for federal flood insurance. It also denies federal funding to proposed construction projects in designated flood hazard areas. Farm Act of 1985 (p. 361) - Established a strategy for reducing soil erosion in the U.S. Farmers are given a subsidy for highly credible land they take out of production and replant with soil saving grass or trees for 10 years. Farmers who violate their contracts must pay back all subsidies plus interest. Oil Protection Act of 1990 (p. 549) - Regulates supertankers and reduces the chances of supertanker oil spills. Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (p. 571) - Requires new standards for pesticide tolerance levels in foods and requires manufacturers to demonstrate that the active ingredients in their pesticide products are safe for infants and children. It also allows the EPA to apply an additional 10-fold safety factor to pesticide tolerance levels to protect infants and children, requires the EPA to consider exposure to more than one pesticide when setting pesticide tolerance levels, and requires the EPA to develop rules for a program to screen all active and inactive ingredients for their estrogenic and endocrine effects by 1999.

Reclamation Act of 1902 (p. 612) - Promotes irrigation and water development projects in the arid West. Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 (p. 612) - Prevented the manufacture, sale, or transportation of adulterated, misbranded, or poisonous foods, drugs, medicines, and liquors, and also to regulate traffic therein. Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act of 1950 (p. 615) - Helps state agencies restock and conserve game fish through a tax on fishing equipment. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938 - Enforces laws enacted by the U.S. Congress and regulations created by the Agency to protect the consumer's health, safety and money. Antiquities Act of 1906 (p. 616) - Triples the amount of land in the National Wilderness System and doubles the area in the National Park System. National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (p. 638) - Allows rivers and river segments with outstanding scenic, recreational, geological, wildlife, historical, or cultural values to be protected in the national Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The waterways are to be kept free of development; they may not be widened, straightened, dredged, filled, or dammed along the designated lengths.