(1972) Is a US federal law that seeks to regulate the discharge of pollutants into the waters of the US, which includes lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and coastal areas. It was originally known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. It aims to make surface waters swimmable and fishable.

(1963) It is a convention created by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, that seeks to protect endangered plant and animal species. Participation is voluntary, but the convention has 183 nations that participate. The US followed recommendations by passing the Endangered Species Act.

(1980) The Act provides a federal fund to clean up uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous-waste places, which also includes accidents, spills and other emergency releases of pollutants into the environment. The EPA has the power to reach out to the parties responsible for the accident and assure their cooperation.

(1987) One of the most successful international agreements in history. This protocol ended the use of CFCs in order to protect a damaged ozone. The countries that signed honored their promises and CFC ozone depletion stopped being a reoccurring issue.

(2005) Controlling global warming by setting internationally binding greenhouse gas emissions targets for developed countries.

(1973) identifies threatened and endangered species in the U.S., and puts their protection ahead of economic considerations. This act was created in response to the agreement made at CITES. Federal agencies must consider wildlife before starting major projects.

(1974) It is a federal law that protects public drinking water supplies throughout the nation. Under SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and oversees the states, localities, and water suppliers who implement those standards. It requires many actions to protect drinking water and its sources: rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater wells.

(1958) This is an amendment to the 1938 Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. This amendment prohibits the use of additives in food that are found to cause cancer in humans or in animals. Applies to processed foods mostly.

(1976) Amended SWDA, it allows the EPA to control and manage the disposal of hazardous waste and solid waste.