Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
General Mining Act (1872): Gives people the right to prospect and mine on federal lands, with the exception
of those protected from human impact (for example, National Parks). Originally it was used as a way to pro-
mote the settling of unused land. This law is administered by the Bureau of Land Management.
Homestead Act (1862): Provided for the transfer of up to 160 acres of undeveloped federal land to an indi-
vidual who lived on the parcel of land for five years or more and cultivated the land throughout this time.
Homesteading was ended with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976.
Lacey Act (1900): First passed to protect game species and wild birds and has since been expanded to include
all plants and animals. The act prohibits the trade in wildlife, fish, and plants that have been illegally taken,
possessed, transported, or sold. It is administered through the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, and
Agriculture.
Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972): Seeks to protect whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, manatees, and
other species of marine mammals, many of which remain threatened or endangered. The law requires wildlife
agencies to review any activity—for example, the use of underwater explosives or high-intensity active son-
ar—that has the potential to "harass" or kill these animals in the wild. The law is our nation's leading instru-
ment for the conservation of these species and is an international model for such laws.
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) (1988): Also known as the Ocean Dumping
Act, prohibits the dumping of anything into the oceans, either transported from the United States or transported
into U.S. waters, without a permit. A permit is issued only when it has been determined that the permitted
activity will not overly degrade or endanger the marine community.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (1918): Makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill, or sell birds that are
listed as migratory. This includes live and dead birds as well as bird parts including feathers, eggs, and nests.
Over 800 species are currently on the list. This act is administered by the Department of the Interior.
Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act (1960): Governs the administration of renewable resources including tim-
ber, range, water, recreation, and wildlife on National Forest lands, taking into account the needs of multiple
user groups. This act is administered by the Department of Agriculture.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (1969): Broadly covers environmental protection by requiring
that proper consideration be given to the environment when federal actions are undertaken. Included in this re-
quirement is the creation of environmental impact statements (EISs) and environmental assessments (EAs) pri-
or to any government project that may have environmental implications.
National Forest Management Act (1976): Directs every national forest to have a resource management plan,
which must be based on sustainable yields and multiple-use guidelines. This law is administered by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture.
National Park Service Organic Act (1916): Also called the National Park Service Act, it was created to
manage the parks that existed at that time. The National Park Service Department is under the direction of the
Department of the Interior. Today, the number of national parks has grown to 58. In addition, the National Park
Service manages other units including historical monuments, national seashores, historical buildings, and na-
tional recreation areas.
National Wildlife Refuge System Act (1966): Governs the administration and management of all the areas in
the wildlife refuge system, including the protection and conservation of fish and wildlife that are threatened
with extinction. This law has been amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997
and is administered by the Department of the Interior.
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