Env. Orders/Policies Pt.3

Written by: Caroline Kim

November 26, 2022

`This week, we’ll wrap up our take on some of the major environmental orders and policies with part 3. The topics covered are the EISA, FIFRA, Noise control act, NWPA, and TSCA.

The EISA (Energy Independence and Security Act) aims for greater Independences for the U.S. energy, increased production of clean renewable fuels, and increases the efficiency of vehicles/buildings. Additionally, it promotes greenhouse gas research, federal energy performance, and improves vehicle fuel economy (Summary of the Energy Independence and Security Act).

The FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) requires all pesticides sold and distributed in the U.S. to be registered by the EPAt (Summary of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act). This contributes to preventing the use of pesticides that may have adverse effects on the environment. These “unreasonable adverse effects on the environment” are defined as “(1) any unreasonable risk to man or the environment, taking into account the economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits of the use of any pesticide, or (2) a human dietary risk from residues that result from a use of a pesticide in or on any food inconsistent with the standard under section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act'' (Summary of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act).

The Noise Control Act helps manage noise that may be sourced from equipment, machinery, appliances, and more. Noise Pollution has proven to cause damage to organisms in an environment, and may have significant consequences if not properly controlled. This act assists to “establish a means for effective coordination of Federal research and activities in noise control, authorize the establishment of Federal noise emission standards for products distributed in commerce, and provide information to the public respecting the noise emission and noise reduction characteristics of such products” (Summary of the Noise Control Act).

The NWPA (Nuclear Waste Policy Act) “supports the use of deep geologic repositories for the safe storage and/or disposal of radioactive waste”, establishing safe geologic repository evaluations (Summary of Nuclear Waste Policy Act). This act also tasks the Department of Energy with “... directs EPA to develop standards for protection of the general environment from offsite releases of radioactive material in repositories” (Summary of Nuclear Waste Policy Act).

The TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) “ provides EPA with authority to require reporting, record-keeping and testing requirements, and restrictions relating to chemical substances and/or mixtures”; some substances excluded in this act include food, drugs, cosmetics, and pesticides (Summary of Toxic Substances Control Act).

Having a clear set policy and orders in place to reference as a method of managing environmental safety is important for keeping track of requirements and enforcement. These rules covered in the past 3 blogs cover many but not all of the regulations enforced, and in conjunction promote environmental health in the U.S. and beyond.

Sources:

“Summary of the Energy Independence and Security Act.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-energy-independence-and-security-act.

“Summary of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-federal-insecticide-fungicide-and-rodenticide-act.

“Summary of the Noise Control Act.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-noise-control-act.

“Summary of Nuclear Waste Policy Act.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-nuclear-waste-policy-act.

“Summary of Toxic Substances Control Act.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-toxic-substances-control-act.