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In connection with the rise of the modern environmental movement, the United States Congress enacted a sweeping series of federal laws intended to protect the planet and all living species. Below are brief summaries of the most significant ones, many of which have been amended in the ensuing years to reflect ever evolving concerns.
National Environmental Policy Act (1970)
NEPA is a landmark law that set forth a national policy of environmental protection. It established the President’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and instituted the requirement that all federal agencies research and report upon environmental effects of their proposed actions.
Clean Air Act (1970)
The CAA charges the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the task of controlling air pollution and protecting the public from hazardous airborne contaminants. Notably, it was the first of these environmental laws to contain a citizen suit provision, which empowers private citizens to sue for the purpose of correcting statutory violations.
Clean Water Act (1972)
Enacted to protect from pollution our nation’s waters — including oceans, rivers, lakes, wetlands and more — the CWA provides authority to the EPA to set regulatory discharge standards.
Coastal Zone Management Act (1972)
Congress passed the CZMA in response to increasing growth on and around our nation’s coastlines. Administered by the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA), the CZMA requires states to develop a State Coastal Zone Management Plan to encourage responsible coastal management.
Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972)
The MMPA prohibits the “taking” of — defined as attempting to or succeeding in hunting, killing, capturing or harassing — any marine mammal; it further establishes a moratorium on the sale, import or export of any marine mammal, part or product. MMPA management is divided between NOAA, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Marine Mammal Commission (MMC).
Endangered Species Act (1973)
Following the near extinction of various species, the ESA was enacted to conserve endangered fish, wildlife and plants, as well as the eco-systems in which they live. Like the MMPA, the ESA prohibits the taking of any listed species, as well as any actions that would degrade or destroy their critical habitats. Written by both lawyers and scientists, the law is administered by both the FWS and NOAA.
Safe Drinking Water Act (1974)
The SDWA was enacted to protect public health by regulating pollutants in our nation’s drinking water supplies, including lakes, reservoirs, rivers, springs and groundwater wells. (Private wells utilized by less that 25 individuals are excepted.) The Act authorizes the EPA to set standards and manage the water suppliers bound by them.
Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (1976)
Also known as the “Magnuson-Stevens Act,” the FCMA was enacted to promote fishing and protect against depletion of overfished stocks. The FCMA requires Regional Management Councils to develop and implement Fishery Management Plans, which are reviewed by the National Marine Fisheries Service, a division of NOAA.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (1980)
CERCLA was passed in 1980 for the purpose of cleaning sites contaminated with hazardous substances. Colloquially called “Superfund,” CERCLA authorizes the EPA to force responsible parties to undertake clean up efforts or, where such parties are unidentifiable, to use dedicated funds for that same purpose.
