Governmental Process in ENV
-
Upload
wang-reilly -
Category
Documents
-
view
13 -
download
1
description
Transcript of Governmental Process in ENV
![Page 1: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Governmental Process in ENV
![Page 2: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Government & Environmental Technology
• Governmental Processes; federal, state & local governments all play a role
• Practitioners in the field of Environmental Technology need to know how to locate, read and understand numerous environmental laws and regulations.
![Page 3: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
What are laws?
• Called statutes or acts
• Restraining standards that govern society
• Enacted with the goal of creating a better society
![Page 4: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Two forms of law in the U.S.
• Criminal (public) Law
• Civil (private) Law
• Divided between laws against society (Criminal Law) and those between individuals (Civil Law)
![Page 5: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Public or Criminal Law
• Laws providing the basic rules of our system of government
• Criminal acts against society
• Operation and establishment of administrative agencies
• Court cases
![Page 6: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
• Prescribes punishments for violations
• Can be subject to interpretation because they are written to cover a broad range of activities
• Can include an interwoven body of court decisions, statutes, regulations, policies and procedures that are continually changing
• Evidence for conviction must be “beyond a reasonable doubt”
![Page 7: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Private or Civil Law
• Settles disputes between parties or individuals
• Government’s role is to act as judge
• Preponderance of evidence is the level of evidence for conviction
![Page 8: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Other Important Terms for Understanding Law
• Statutory law is written law, the exact wording approved by a legislative body
• Case law consists of written decisions made by courts and are used as precedents in making future decisions
![Page 9: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Three branches of U.S. Government
![Page 10: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Executive Branch
• Proposes laws and approves or vetoes laws passed by the legislative branch as well as enforces the laws
• Consists of the President and the regulatory and administrative agencies who report to him
• The President nominates the heads of the various agencies, who are then accepted or declined by Congress
![Page 11: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Legislative Branch
• Makes & amends laws
• Appropriates funds to enact legislation
![Page 12: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Judicial Branch
• Examine Laws
• Interpret laws through court cases
• Assure laws are justly applied
![Page 13: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Supreme laws of the land!
• No state can enact a law less strict than the federal law
• They do have the right to make more restrictive laws
![Page 14: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
• Many states allow citizens to take law making into their own hands through the initiative process or through referendums (Example - Calif. Propositions)
• Both require petitions to illustrate voter support before the issue will be placed on the ballot
![Page 15: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
• Congressional statues are found in the US Code or USC
• The implementation of the law is carried out by independent agencies of the federal government or state governments
– They interpret the law and create regulations to enforce specific compliance requirements
![Page 16: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Rules and Regulations are developed by regulatory agencies• EPA• DOT (including the Coast Guard) • Department of Labor including OSHA and the
Mine Safety and Health Administration• NRC – Nuclear Regulatory Administration• Department of the Interior including the Fish and
Wildlife Service and the Land Management Bureau
• Department of Energy
![Page 17: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Federal Register System
• Announces and publishes rules in two major publications
– The Federal Register – FR• Published information on proposed rules, final rules, notices on
proposed rule making and meeting notices
– The Code of Federal Regulations - CFR • A listing of all the rules published in the FR compiled in a rule
book by topic
![Page 18: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Regulatory Numbering System
• Title 40CFR
• Part 260
• Section 4
• Paragraphs(a)(1)(ii)
• i.e. §260.4(a)(1)(ii) of 40CFR
![Page 19: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
EnforcementMonitoring Compliance
• Compliance Evaluation Inspection (CEI)
• Can be routine
• Follow complaints or tips
• Result from referrals from other agencies
![Page 20: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Freedom of Information Act of 1966
• The public is entitled to any information collected by a governmental agency
– Records for environmental assessments can be obtained in this manner or in a more informal manner
![Page 21: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
The Privacy Act of 1974
• Federal agencies must provide individuals with information pertaining to them
• And are required to amend or correct any files that are inaccurate
![Page 22: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Enforcement Actions
List of steps available for enforcement:
• Administrative Enforcement Actions
• Civil Actions
• Criminal Actions
![Page 23: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Administrative Enforcement Action
• Least severe action available does not involve the court system
• May be an Notice of Violation (NOV), Notice of Deficiency (NOD), or more formal administrative order (w/ public meeting requirement)
• Resolution could be by correction of the problem, sometimes accompanied by a fine
• Used to force compliance, the taking of corrective action, monitoring, testing and analysis, or to address a threat to human health or environment
![Page 24: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Civil Actions
Formal lawsuits filed by federal,state or local government attorneys (or private individuals)
• Can be used to force compliance
• Suspend or revoke permits or authorizations
• Impose large penalties
• The burden of proof for the plaintiff is only a preponderance of evidence (true for all civil actions)
![Page 25: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Criminal Actions
• Most severe action available
• Can result in fines and/or imprisonment
• Result of severe violations such as falsifying evidence or reports, putting another person in imminent danger or illegal disposal of hazardous waste
![Page 26: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
– Misdemeanors are punishable by a fine and/or prison (generally short <1 year)
– Those who commit felonies can be imprisoned longer
– But guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt (true for all criminal actions)
![Page 27: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
National Environmental Policy Act
• NEPA - 1970
• Requires the preparation of and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
• Whenever the federal government engages in any activity that may have a negative affect on the environment
![Page 28: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Federal Clean Air Act• CAA - 1970, amended 1990
• Protects the public health and welfare from the harmful effects of air pollution
• Sets standards for maximum levels of outdoor air pollution, and emission standards for sources
• Holds state and local governments responsible for controlling pollution sources
![Page 29: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Federal Clean Water Act
• CWA - 1972
• Restores and maintains the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the nation’s waters
• Nationwide standards are set for industrial discharge and municipal sewage systems by the EPA
![Page 30: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Safe Drinking Water Act
• SDWA - 1974
• Establishes federal standards for drinking water quality and protects underground sources of water
• Enforced by the EPA
![Page 31: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
• RCRA - 1976
• Deals with both municipal and hazardous waste problems and encourages resource recovery and recycling
• Administered by the EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER)
![Page 32: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
• FIFRA - 1947, amended 1972, 1974, 1978
• All pesticides must be registered with the EPA, process determines labeling & usage
• Reviews labeling and directions for application and sets maximum safe levels for pesticide residue in human and animal foods
![Page 33: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act• CERCLA “Superfund” - 1980, amended 1986• Makes owners and operators liable for hazardous
waste releases on their property• The act imposes joint and several liability• System for identifying and cleaning up chemical
and hazardous materials released into any part of the environment
• EPA collects the cost of cleanup from the responsible parties and sets up a fund for cleanup when necessary
![Page 34: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act
• AHERA
• EPA certifies asbestos inspectors and requires certain procedures for asbestos abatement in school buildings
![Page 35: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Toxic Substance Control Act
• TSCA - 1976
• System of pre-market notifications if a company wishes to market a new chemical, may require additional testing before the chemical is sold
• Also requires testing of some chemicals already on the market, resulting in possible restrictions or a ban by the EPA
![Page 36: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act
• Ocean Dumping Act
• EPA and the Coast Guard limit the type and location of any ocean dumping
![Page 37: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Occupational Safety and Health Act
• OSHA - 1970
• Assures safe and healthful working conditions
• Develops regulatory standards, keeps records of injuries and conducts training and enforcement programs
![Page 38: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Atomic Energy Act
• AEA - 1954
• Controls possession, development and use of radioactive materials
• Currently enforced by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
![Page 39: Governmental Process in ENV](https://reader030.fdocuments.in/reader030/viewer/2022032605/56812c50550346895d90d99e/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act
• HMTA - 1975
• Regulates the handling and transportation of hazardous materials
• Enforced by the Department of Transportation (DOT)