Question 1

Early federal statutes dealing with environmental issues concerned themselves primarily with conservation of forests and:
A) natives.
B) ethics.
C) culture.
D) wildlife.

Accepted Answer

Early federal statutes such as the Lacey Act of 1900 and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 focused on protecting wildlife from overhunting and poaching, while also regulating the trade of animal products. Conservation of forests and other natural resources were addressed mostly through the establishment of national parks and forest reserves, which were not governed by federal law until the 1916 National Park Service Organic Act.

Question 2

Exposure to loud noise for extended periods of time cannot affect an individual's ability to hear.

Accepted Answer

Exposure to loud noise for extended periods of time can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss. It is important to protect your ears from loud noises by wearing earplugs or limiting the amount of exposure to loud noises.

Question 3

In an effort to ensure that the federal government itself does not contribute to the destruction of the environment,Congress passed the Clear Air Act of 1970.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 4

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 (NEPA)requires that any project with significant federal involvement must have an approved:
A) authorized statement of law.
B) environmental impact statement.
C) clean water protection statement.
D) primary standards statement.

Accepted Answer

The NEPA requires that any project with significant federal involvement must have an approved environmental impact statement (EIS) as part of the planning and decision-making process. The EIS analyzes the potential environmental effects of the proposed project and presents alternatives to minimize or avoid those effects. The other options listed (authorized statement of law, clean water protection statement, primary standards statement) are not required under NEPA.

Question 5

In 1970,Congress created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),which has the responsibility of regulating business activities as these relate to the environment.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. Congress did create the EPA in 1970 to regulate business activities related to the environment.

Question 6

In 1970,Congress created the _______________,which has the responsibility of regulating business activities as these relate to the environment.
A) Environmental Protection Agency
B) Environmental Impact Statement
C) Comprehensive Environmental Response
D) Superfund

Accepted Answer

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created in 1970 by Congress to regulate business activities as they relate to the environment. The other options mentioned, such as the Environmental Impact Statement and Superfund, are specific programs or actions taken by the EPA to fulfill its mission.

Question 7

Businesses that create pollution frequently cause injury to people or damage to their property,and these businesses may be found liable by a court for the tort of negligence.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Businesses that create pollution may be sued and found liable for negligence if their actions cause harm to people or property. Negligence occurs when a business fails to take reasonable care to prevent harm, and this failure results in injury or damage. This is a common legal issue for businesses that operate in industries with high environmental impacts, such as manufacturing, mining, and transportation.

Question 8

The continued use of a pesticide does not cause insects to become immune to the chemical compounds,and as a result the pesticide becomes effective.

Accepted Answer

The continued use of a pesticide can actually lead to insects developing resistance or immunity to the chemical compounds, making the pesticide less effective over time.

Question 9

Pollution caused by automobiles,trains,airplanes,and so forth is called stationary pollution.

Accepted Answer

Pollution caused by automobiles, trains, airplanes, and any other moving sources is called mobile pollution. Stationary pollution refers to pollution caused by fixed sources such as factories, power plants, and buildings.

Question 10

Trespass is the unauthorized entry onto another person's property.

Accepted Answer

Trespass involves entering onto someone else's property without permission or legal right to do so. This can include physical entry, such as walking onto someone's land or building without permission, or non-physical entry, such as interfering with someone's use of their property in a way that limits their enjoyment or access to it.

Question 11

The minimum standards set for water purity by the Clean Water Act of 1972 do not include "fishable and swimmable" water.

Accepted Answer

The minimum standards set for water purity by the Clean Water Act of 1972 do include "fishable and swimmable" water. This was one of the goals of the Act, to make all surface waters in the U.S. "fishable and swimmable" by 1983.

Question 12

Although there are no federal laws currently addressing e-waste,several states have passed statutes and the EPA has drafted rules relating to recycling cathode ray tubes.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. While there is no federal law specifically addressing e-waste, several states have enacted their own e-waste recycling laws and regulations. Additionally, the EPA has implemented rules regarding the disposal and recycling of cathode ray tubes (CRTs).

Question 13

The EPA is charged with the responsibility of selecting appropriate sites and types of waste that may be discarded into the oceans by U.S.organizations.

Accepted Answer

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for regulating ocean dumping under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, which includes selecting appropriate sites and types of waste that can be legally disposed of in the ocean.

Question 14

Superfund regulates the dumping of waste onto land.

Accepted Answer

Superfund is a federal program that regulates the cleanup of hazardous waste sites, including those that have been dumped onto land. It does not regulate the dumping itself.

Question 15

There has been a growing recognition that economic interests are causing the gradual destruction of the rain forests.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately reflects the current understanding that economic interests such as logging, mining, and agriculture are major drivers of deforestation in rain forests around the world.

Question 16

The United States has extraordinary forests and wetlands that have great aesthetic and economic value.

Accepted Answer

The United States has vast and diverse natural resources, including forests and wetlands, which contribute to the country's natural beauty and provide numerous economic benefits, such as timber, tourism, and ecosystem services.

Question 17

In the United States,environmental regulation is a distinct area of the law,and firms strive to comply with myriad statutes,regulations,and ordinances that cover the relationship between businesses and the environment.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true.

Question 18

Sulfur emissions cause pollutants to be discharged into the atmosphere and result in the greenhouse effect.

Accepted Answer

Sulfur emissions primarily contribute to acid rain and air pollution, not the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is mainly caused by gases like carbon dioxide and methane.

Question 19

In an effort to ensure that the federal government itself does not contribute to the destruction of the environment,Congress passed the:
A) Clean Air Act.
B) Environmental Protection Agency Act.
C) National Environmental Policy Act.
D) Clean Water Act.

Accepted Answer

The National Environmental Policy Act requires that all government agencies consider the environmental impact of their actions before proceeding with any major project or decision. This helps to ensure that the federal government is not contributing to environmental destruction. The other options listed address specific areas of environmental concern, but do not necessarily address government action.

Question 20

What is problematic for policymakers is balancing the importance of allowing businesses to produce at optimal levels while,at the same time,maintaining a watchful eye over the:
A) environment.
B) members.
C) government.
D) citizens.

Accepted Answer

Allowing businesses to produce at optimal levels can have negative impacts on the environment, such as pollution and depletion of natural resources. Policymakers must ensure that businesses are held accountable for their environmental impact while still allowing them to operate effectively. Monitoring the environment is crucial to balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability. The other choices, including members, government, and citizens, do not necessarily have a direct impact on the balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Quiz 36: Business and the Environment

Early federal statutes dealing with environmental issues concerned themselves primarily with conservation of forests and: