Environmental Legislation Chapter 1.1Quiz

What was the Love Canal hazardous waste catastrophe, and how did it lead to the creation of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)?

Describe the main provisions of the Honolulu ordinance regarding the procurement of recycled paper products.

Describe why this ordinance can be considered a proactive environmental law.

Do you believe that our environmental challenges can be adequately addressed with this type of law? Why or why not?

Consider how this type of ordinance imposes costs on the affected organization. Who should pay for the costs associated with proactive environmental laws? What are some alternatives for distributing the costs of environmental responsibility and choices?

Research your city’s ordinances. Does your city mandate recycling or other sustainable practices?

What other types of laws could a city institute to engage in proactive environmental lawmaking?

Do you believe that remediated Superfund sites are safe for use for public purposes, such as mixed used sites where people live and work, and for soccer fields and parks? Why or why not?

Watch one additional video of your choosing at https://www.epa.gov/superfund-redevelopment-initiative/superfund-redevelopment-videos#difference. In the video that you watched, how had the redeveloped site been used in the past? What is it used for now? What are the differences between then and now? Consider your answers to questions 1 – 3 in the context of the video that you chose to watch. Have your answers changed? Explain.

Should the environment be protected in its natural state? Or, should it be actively used—mined, forested, dammed—providing we do it sustainably?