Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
POLLUTION CONTROL LAWS AND REGULATIONS
In the U.S., there are local, state, and federal laws regulating health, safety,
and the environment. The laws that address the area of pollution control also
cover health and safety, toxic substances, noise, transportation, and building
site approval.
N
E
P
A
, 1969 (NEPA)
ATIONAL
NVIRONMENTAL
OLICY
CT
This act requires that all federal agencies consider the environmental impact
of their actions. These agencies must use all practicable means “to achieve
a harmonious balance between humanity and nature.”
O
S
H
A
, 1970 (OSHA)
CCUPATIONAL
AFETY
AND
EALTH
CT
Under this act, the Department of Labor sets safety standards, inspects
workplaces, and sets penalties for violations. This act also established the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to develop
and establish health standards.
T
R
C
R
A
, 1976 (RCRA)
HE
ESOURCE
ONSERVATION
AND
ECOVERY
CT
This act governs in detail how the chemical industry must manage hazardous
wastes. Generation, handling, transportation, and disposal are included in
the regulations.
T
S
C
A
, 1976 (TSCA)
OXIC
UBSTANCES
ONTROL
CT
Requires a federal inventory of existing chemicals in commerce, notification
for listing of new chemicals or new uses for existing chemicals, and can
require testing of chemicals for toxicity prior to approval for listing.
T
C
A
A
, 1970
S
A
HE
LEAN
IR
CT
AND
UBSEQUENT
MENDMENTS
Gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) power to adopt and
enforce air pollution standards.
