Question 1

Which of the following was established by Congress to implement and enforce federal environmental laws?

Accepted Answer

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established by Congress to implement and enforce federal environmental laws. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) have roles in regulating food and drugs, while the CWA (Clean Water Act) and ESA (Endangered Species Act) are federal environmental laws that the EPA enforces.

Question 2

Which of the following is FALSE regarding the landmark environmental laws passed in the 1960s and 1970s?

Accepted Answer

These landmark laws have not remained as is, and have been amended and updated over the years to address new environmental challenges and issues.

Question 3

Which was the first environmental law that required the U.S.government to consider environmental issues before approving policies?

Accepted Answer

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was the first environmental law that required the U.S. government to consider environmental issues before approving policies. It was signed into law in 1970 and requires federal agencies to assess the environmental impact of their proposed actions and to inform the public of the potential environmental effects. The other options listed are also important environmental laws, but they do not specifically require the consideration of environmental issues before policy approval.

Question 4

A federal highway project is proposed to connect two existing stretches of interstate.What signature feature of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)must be met prior to construction of the highway?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A federal highway project is proposed to...

Question 5

Which of the following influences U.S.environmental policy decision making?

Accepted Answer

U.S. environmental policy decision making is influenced by a combination of industry lobbyists, science, and congressional committees. Industry lobbyists have significant power to influence policy decisions by advocating for their interests, while science provides research and data that inform policy decisions. Congressional committees also play a crucial role in shaping environmental policy by drafting legislation and holding hearings to gather information and opinions from experts and stakeholders.

Question 6

Excess nitrogen fertilizer runs off Midwestern farmland into waterways that lead to the Gulf of Mexico,where the result is a "dead zone" of low oxygen levels.This impacts the ecosystem there and presents a significant economic hardship to the shrimping industry.What level of policy might be needed to address this problem? What existing federal law could be applied?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Excess nitrogen fertilizer runs off Midwestern farmland...

Question 7

What is the correct order of the policy decision-making process?

Accepted Answer

This is the correct order of the policy decision-making process. It begins with identifying a problem, considering options, formulating a plan, adopting the policy, implementing it, and evaluating the results. This sequence ensures that the policy-making process is systematic, comprehensive, and efficient.

Question 8

In a famous essay,Garrett Hardin described "the tragedy of the common," where individual self-interests lead to depletion of shared,limited resources.For example,in a public pasture,where no rules are in place to restrict the number of grazing animals,individuals will maximize their usage of the resource and the end result may be loss or destruction of the resource.What examples on Earth would qualify as "common" areas that no one person,state,or government owns or controls? How could these areas be managed to avoid environmental degradation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a famous essay,Garrett Hardin described "the...

Question 9

In the 1960s and 1970s,___________.

Accepted Answer

During the 1960s and 1970s, environmental issues became more interconnected, with pollution and other problems in one state increasingly affecting neighboring states, leading to a greater awareness of the need for comprehensive environmental regulation.

Question 10

What is an environmental policy? Why are many environmental problems considered "wicked problems"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is an environmental policy? Why are...

Question 11

The EPA and other agencies such as the USDA are administered by the ___________.

Accepted Answer

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) are both part of the executive branch of the United States government, which means they are administered by the President and his appointed officials. The legislative branch (Congress) writes laws and the judicial branch (courts) interprets laws, but neither is responsible for administering agencies like the EPA and USDA.

Question 12

The era of modern environmental policy had begun by ___________.

Accepted Answer

The era of modern environmental policy began with the passage of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in 1969, which marked a significant shift towards environmental protection in the United States. NEPA requires federal agencies to consider the environmental impact of their actions and involves public participation in decision-making processes.

Question 13

Industries must act to meet ___________ standards,that is,targets set to specify acceptable levels of pollution that can be released or exist in outdoor air.

Accepted Answer

Performance standards refer to targets set to specify acceptable levels of pollution that can be released or exist in outdoor air.

Question 14

The environmental law that regulates the amount of hazardous pollutants in the air and that contains provisions for protecting the ozone layer is the ___________.

Accepted Answer

The Clean Air Act (CAA) is the environmental law that regulates the amount of hazardous pollutants in the air and contains provisions for protecting the ozone layer. It sets emissions standards for various pollutants emitted by industries and vehicles, and it also regulates the handling and disposal of hazardous air pollutants. The other laws listed have different focuses, such as protecting against toxic substances (TOSCA) or addressing hazardous waste (CERCLA). The last option is incorrect; the EPA does have the authority to regulate air pollutants.

Question 15

Explain the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the role of the Environmental Protection...

Question 16

Which of the following is CORRECT regarding U.S.environmental policy prior to the 1960s?

Accepted Answer

Prior to the 1960s, U.S. environmental policy was primarily concerned with the conservation and management of resources, rather than addressing pollution or mitigating environmental damage. The focus was on how best to use and manage natural resources, rather than on the broader environmental impacts of resource use.

Question 17

The ________________ allows U.S.citizens to sue,in federal court,perceived violators of certain environmental laws in order to force compliance.

Accepted Answer

The citizen suit provision allows individuals to bring a lawsuit against perceived violators of certain environmental laws in order to enforce compliance. This provision is found in several environmental statutes, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

Question 18

Many coastal areas and low-lying island nations are currently at risk from rising sea levels attributed to global climate change.How does this illustrate the need for policy at the international level?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Many coastal areas and low-lying island nations...

Question 19

An environmental impact statement (EIS)accomplishes which of the following?

Accepted Answer

An environmental impact statement (EIS) outlines the positive and negative impacts of a proposed action, allowing decision-makers and the public to understand the potential environmental consequences of the proposed action. It is not related to monetary damages in a lawsuit, private citizen lawsuits, specific details of environmental damage, or regulation of toxic chemicals.

Question 20

After an EIS,the proposed action of building a road is not taken.Where in the policy decision-making process does this step does this fit in?

Accepted Answer

The consideration of options is the step in the policy decision-making process where the proposed action of building a road is not taken after an EIS.

Quiz 14: environmental Policy the World Tackles Ozone Depletion