#1
Which of the following acts is considered the cornerstone of federal environmental legislation in the United States?
National Environmental Policy Act
ExplanationSets forth a national policy to promote environmental quality and considers environmental impacts in decision-making.
#2
Which president signed the National Environmental Policy Act into law?
Richard Nixon
ExplanationSigned into law by President Nixon on January 1, 1970.
#3
Which of the following is NOT a principle of the Clean Water Act?
Zero Discharge of Pollutants
ExplanationWhile the Clean Water Act aims to eliminate the discharge of pollutants, it doesn't explicitly call for 'zero discharge'.
#4
Which of the following is NOT regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act?
Mercury
ExplanationWhile the Safe Drinking Water Act regulates many contaminants, mercury is regulated under separate laws.
#5
Which president signed the Clean Water Act into law?
Richard Nixon
ExplanationPresident Nixon signed the Clean Water Act into law on October 18, 1972.
#6
Which agency is primarily responsible for enforcing the Clean Air Act?
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
ExplanationThe EPA ensures compliance with regulations aimed at reducing air pollution and protecting air quality.
#7
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) focuses on regulating the management of:
Hazardous waste
ExplanationRegulates the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.
#8
Who is often referred to as the 'Father of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'?
Richard Nixon
ExplanationPresident Nixon established the EPA through an executive order in 1970.
#9
Which of the following is a major provision of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?
Prohibiting the hunting and capturing of endangered species
ExplanationESA protects endangered and threatened species and their habitats, including prohibiting hunting or capturing listed species.
#10
What is the primary goal of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?
To ensure federal agencies consider environmental impacts of their actions
ExplanationNEPA requires federal agencies to consider environmental impacts and alternatives in their decision-making processes.
#11
What does the acronym CERCLA stand for?
Comprehensive Environmental Resource Compensation and Liability Act
ExplanationEstablishes a process for cleaning up hazardous waste sites and holding responsible parties accountable for cleanup costs.
#12
Which president signed the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 into law?
George H. W. Bush
ExplanationSigned by President George H. W. Bush to strengthen air quality standards and address acid rain and ozone depletion.
#13
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) primarily aims to regulate:
Chemicals used in consumer products
ExplanationTSCA gives the EPA authority to track and regulate chemicals used in manufacturing and consumer products.
#14
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 includes provisions related to all of the following EXCEPT:
Offshore drilling regulations
ExplanationWhile the Energy Policy Act addresses various energy-related issues, offshore drilling regulations are not among its provisions.
#15
Which of the following statutes established the National Priorities List (NPL) for hazardous waste sites?
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
ExplanationCERCLA created the NPL, which prioritizes cleanup efforts at hazardous waste sites.