Environmental Laws and Policies Overview

The video tutorial by Mr. Kite covers key environmental legislation relevant to the AP Environmental Science exam. It discusses the difference between proactive and reactive laws, highlighting acts like the Superfund Act, Clean Air and Water Acts, and international protocols such as the Kyoto and Montreal Protocols. The video also covers wildlife protection laws, including the Endangered Species Act and CITES, and explains the importance of environmental policy acts like NEPA and TSCA.

What is the primary reason environmental laws in the U.S. are often enacted?

• To prevent potential future problems

• In response to disasters

• To promote industrial growth

• To align with European standards

What is the main focus of the Clean Air Act?

• Managing waste disposal

• Setting standards for air pollutants

• Regulating water pollution

• Protecting endangered species

Which act is responsible for regulating the pollution of surface water in the U.S.?

• Clean Air Act

• Safe Drinking Water Act

• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

• Clean Water Act

What was the primary goal of the Kyoto Protocol?

• To regulate international trade of endangered species

• To ban the use of CFCs

• To limit greenhouse gas emissions

• To protect marine mammals

Which protocol successfully reduced the production of ozone-depleting chemicals?

• Antarctic Treaty

• Kyoto Protocol

• Stockholm Declaration

• Montreal Protocol

What does the CITES treaty aim to prevent?

• Air pollution

• Water pollution

• Deforestation

• International trade of endangered species

Which act prohibits the U.S. government from funding projects that harm endangered species?

• Endangered Species Act

• Lacey Act

• National Environmental Policy Act

• Marine Mammal Protection Act

What is the purpose of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?

• To protect marine mammals

• To regulate air quality

• To manage waste disposal

• To require environmental impact statements for large projects

Which act allows the EPA to regulate chemicals before they reach the market?

• Safe Drinking Water Act

• Toxic Substances Control Act

• Clean Water Act

• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

What does the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act focus on?

• Water pollution control

• Air quality standards

• Waste disposal and tracking

• Endangered species protection