Written by: Emily Joswiak • November 4, 2021• Environment

Important Laws That Protect the Environment

Many laws in the USA enforce the protection of the environment for the world. Here are some of the most important laws that protect the environment.

People and companies produce massive quantities of pollutants every day, leading to a lot of environmental damage. Historically, if people and companies are left alone, the damage they cause only grows. That’s why the government takes on the role of regulator when it comes to environmental impact. Here are some of the important laws that protect the environment that the government has put in place.

Clean Air Act (CAA)

The CAA is all about monitoring and regulating anything that puts emissions into the air. This includes everything from industrial complexes to vehicles. The act allowed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for better protection.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

This is one of the first acts that forced the different branches of the government to focus on environmental protection. Before starting any projects, government agencies must do everything they can to follow the regulations put forward by the NEPA.

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

Although OSHA is entirely meant for the protection and safety of workers, the EPA also has laws about the environment of a workplace. Employee safety indirectly affects the environment around a workplace, and in turn, keeping the environment clean protects workers.

Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA)

One of the larger issues the USA faces is what to do with nuclear waste, as the substance is extremely damaging to the environment. That’s why the NWPA is around: to determine safe ways and places to dispose of nuclear waste.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

The RCRA is all about waste management for both hazardous and nonhazardous solid waste materials. The act categorizes hazardous waste and regulates the disposal of dangerous materials to ensure the safety of the water and land in the area.

These are just a few of the most important laws that protect the environment. Without these laws, nothing would stop people or companies from harming the environment with improper waste disposal and exploitive practices.

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Last modified: November 8, 2021