| New Source Performance Standards |
| The Clean Air Act defines a "new" source as one that is constructed or substantially modified after the publication of an air pollution emissions regulation that pertains to it. A standard of performance is required to reflect the best system of reducing air pollution emissions, taking into account the cost of achieving the emissions reductions, the impact of the system on health and environment that is not air-quality related, and the energy requirements of the system. These standards are called "new source performance standards." Once the standards are established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and become effective, it is unlawful for any new source to operate in such a way that violates the standards.More... |
| The Public Trust Doctrine |
| The public trust doctrine is a legal principle that states that the waters of a state, the land beneath them, and the shorelines are held by the state in trust for the use and enjoyment of the people. This simple principle, which recognized that access to waterways was often a matter of survival, was incorporated into English common law, which is the basis of American law. Although statutes have replaced much of the common law that used to be in force in the United States, the public trust doctrine survives, and many states have incorporated it into their own constitutions, converting the public trust doctrine into statutory law.More... |
| The Radon Gas and Indoor Air Quality Research Act of 1986 |
| In recognition of the potential hazard posed by radon gas in particular as well as the overall importance of indoor air quality, Congress passed the Radon Gas and Indoor Air Quality Research Act (Air Quality Research Act) in 1986. Among other things, the Air Quality Research Act directed the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a research program with respect to indoor air quality in order to add to the understanding of health problems associated with indoor air pollutants. More... |
| Disposal of Medical Waste |
| Medical waste, produced by hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, research facilities, and even private homes from self-administered healthcare, is extremely varied in character, and much of it poses a public health hazard. Because of the potential hazards posed by medical waste, it is important to public health and the environment to properly dispose of it. The disposal of medical waste is generally regulated at the state level; however, several federal agencies are involved in certain aspects of medical waste disposal. More... |
| The Antarctic Treaty of 1959 |
| The Antarctic Treaty's first article declares that Antarctica is to be used for peaceful purposes only and that no activities of a military nature nor the testing of any weapons are to be conducted on the continent. The treaty provides that scientific freedom and cooperation is to be continued on Antarctica. The treaty also provides for the exchange of information regarding plans for scientific programs in Antarctica in order to permit maximum economy and efficiency of operations, the exchange of scientific personnel between expeditions and stations, and the exchange of scientific observations and results from research and experimentation on Antarctica.More... |
 |
|
