Abstract This paper looks at how the major sources of air pollution are transportation engines, power and heat generation, industrial processes, and the burning of solid waste. It discusses how it has been been a growing problem since the advent of the Industrial Revolution and how the health problems from particulates and other pollutants in the air can be severe. In particular, it looks at how, since the passage of the CleanAirAct in 1970, the United States has made significant strides in the control of air pollution.
Outline:
What Is Air Pollution?
History of Air Pollution
What Substances Pollute Our Air?
Health Problems
Status of Air Pollution in the U. S. Today
Future Directions
Conclusion
From the Paper "By many accounts, ozone presents the most serious air quality problem in the United States. Ozone is not a particulate. However, particulates released into the atmosphere help create excess ozone. Ozone is formed by the interaction of ultraviolet rays of the sun and nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sometimes called hydrocarbons. This reaction is called "phytochemical" and cannot occur without polluting emissions from power plants, industrial plants, and internal combustion engines from cars, trucks, and construction machinery (Whitman, 2005). Other sources include commonly used chemical compounds such as those used in paint or in dry cleaning plants (Whitman, 2005). These problems are often aggravated by summer's heat, and contribute to thousands of deaths every year in the United States (Whitman, 2005). "
This paper traces the legislative history of the 1990 amendments to the CleanAirAct: Presidental-Congressionan battles, interest groups, committee system, economics and environment.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 14 sources, 1991, $ 79.95
From the Paper "This paper will trace the legislative history of the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act. On June 12, 1989, President Bush introduced his proposal for a new clean air package.1 This package was designed to update the Clean Air Act which was passed in 1970. The last amendments to this act had been instituted in 1977. Despite the Clean Air Act and its amendments, it was apparent in the late 1980s that air pollution was still a serious problem in the United States. In particular, it was noted that "most urban areas still violate air-quality standards for ozone, which is caused largely by pollutants from industrial facilities, chemical plants and motor vehicles, and carbon monoxide, which comes primarily from automobiles."2 In addition, acid rain had become increasingly widespread in the northeastern part of the country. Efforts at legislative action to address these issues ... "
Abstract This paper discusses that, although corporate criminals still get away without severe punishment, because of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 and the Clean Water Act in 1977, they at least are being forced to comply with these laws. The author points out that big businesses, large corporations and wealthy individuals are treated differently than the average citizen under the law because these powerful interests wield power through lobby groups and political donations. The paper stresses that, since harm is the most central aspect of criminal law, the punishment against corporate criminals should be much greater.
From the Paper "One thing is for sure, that if an individual got caught illegally dumping old engine oil, they would face the maximum penalty under the law. It is insane. The corporations poison our environment making the world unsafe for our children, but rarely are they punished. If an individual poisons their child, the government would lock the door and throw away the key. Drug laws are a perfect example of how individuals are held more accountable under criminal law than corporate giants are. Any woman who gives birth to a premature baby is drug tested along with the baby. If the baby tests positive, the mother is charged with child abuse and the baby removed from her custody. However, thousands perhaps millions of children drink tainted water or food everyday, but the criminals in these attacks are hardly ever brought to justice."
Abstract This paper shows how prevention is the key to eliminating the continuation of environmental degradation and how environmental law makes sure that objective is realized. Environmental law has come a long way in cleaning up the mess created by man-made pollution. The paper examines both the CleanAirAct of 1963 and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 set out to rectify the insurmountable degradation overtaking the air, water and soil supplies. It shows that with their continued efforts, ongoing improvements will serve to further the purpose these two acts were established for in the first place.
From the Paper "The environment has been in trouble for a long time. Decades and decades of misuse, exploitation and degradation have placed a tremendous burden upon the land to the point where humanity is having to scramble to preserve what is left. Re-establishing what has already been destroyed, as well as protecting what still exists, is what environmentalist and government agencies are working feverishly to achieve. With the support of environmental law, significant trends have been established to rectify damage already done and prevent any further from occurring."
Abstract In the form of a speech, this paper details the problems of smog, acid rain, and depletion of the ozone layer. The paper details major technology and regulations that have greatly reduced some of the pollution including, catalytic converters, alternative fuels, electrostatic precipitation, bag filtration, the CleanAirAct, fluidized bed combustion, and HCFCs. Discusses water problems, including lead and methyl mercury, and legislation like the Clean Water Act.
From the Paper "Dear Congresswomen and Congressmen, Our environment is a pressing issue in our society today. Due to societies' demand on governmental organizations to improve the condition of our environment, I am submitting to you today a 25-year program that will be effective in reducing pollution in the air and water. I urge you to look into the issues presented and make an informed decision that will help to improve the quality of our environment."
Abstract In the United States, most federal legislation and regulations concerning environmental protection, including occupational safety laws, falls under the rubric of the taxpayer-funded Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This paper examines some of the more significant and well-known of the federal environmental protection laws which include the CleanAirAct, the Clean Water Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
From the Paper "The Clean Air Act (CAA) sets emissions standards for multiple sources, from automobiles to factories. In order for the CAA to be effective, the EPA must continually establish and reestablish benchmark standards for air quality and for the content of emissions. Such standards are set forth by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The CAA essentially authorizes the EPA to set the NAAQS. The CAA is an attempt to reduce the levels of toxic chemicals in the air, as well as reducing the possibility for acid rain and other related problems. The CAA has major impacts on large and small organizations. On the one hand, the CAA restricts which chemicals and which chemical processes organizations can use in manufacturing."
Abstract During the administrations of both Jimmy Carter and George Bush, cleanair legislation was strengthened and, in 1990, the inclusive CleanAirAct (CAA) became law. This paper shows that it is the relaxing of many of the CAA's requirements that has dozens of action groups fighting the adoption of President George W. Bush's Clear Skies 2003 measures. The paper discusses how the Act differs from the 1990 CAA and shows the points of view of different interest groups.
From the Paper "While the DSP values the natural environment as a resource, the ASP values it intrinsically. While the DSP promotes domination over nature, the ASP promotes harmony with nature. While the DSP values risk and reward behavior, the ASP emphasizes public safety in public activities. But perhaps the most important difference, and one that can be seen by following the threads of the CAA and Clear Skies and the responses by government and activist groups to the latter, is this difference: the DSP values science and technology, separation of fact and value, thought and feeling. On the other hand, ASP advocates limits to science and believes in the integration of fact and value, and thought and feeling. (Jimmerson 1989)"
Abstract This report presents a summary of the policy and describes the essence of the Clean Water Act. The author describes the statute and its enforcements and further highlights some of the major aims and goals of the Act.
From the Paper "The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, or Clean Water Act, is the principal law governing pollution of the country's surface waters. Originally enacted in 1948, the act was totally amended in 1972 that gave it the current shape. The 1972 legislation contained ambitious programs for improvement in water quality. These have since been expanded and are still being implemented by municipalities and industries. Congress made minor amendments in 1977, revised certain portions of the law in 1981, and enacted further amendments in 1987."
Abstract This paper discusses several forms of indoor and outdoor pollution and their impact on the environment and human health. It explores measures that can be taken to curb pollution. It also expands on several large scale pollution disasters.
From the Paper "There are many kinds of indoor and outdoor pollution including photochemical, smog, acid rain and second hand smoke. Air pollution threatens the health of our flora and fauna as well as human health. The impact of these kinds ..."
Abstract This paper looks at the inception of the EPA, born out of frustration with the harm caused to the environment. The author discusses the federal agency's broad reaching effect on American society, its own structural problems, reforms, and the EPA's regulatory powers. The paper also examines several major acts passed by the EPA over the years.
From the Paper "After an incomplete creation, the E.P.A. has had a rough road through the past three decades. Many of the initial internal and structural programs were not addressed at the beginning and have grown into bigger problems. The E.P.A. has made attempts to reform itself and bring itself into the global fold with economic and energy issues to create the triumvirate of the idea of E-Cubed. However, these efforts have not gone far enough and should start looking to other reform ideas. The E.P.A. is a vital part of our social and economic structure, but needs to better define its role and position within the governmental framework."
Abstract Hemp was an important crop for American farmers until 1937 when Congress passed a prohibitive tax on hemp production, the Marijuana Tax Act, and the hemp industry in the U.S. was destroyed. This paper shows how hemp has the potential for being an important resource in farming, medicine, and fuel production. The paper focuses mainly, however, on the environmental benefits of using bio-diesel produced from hemp seeds.
From the Paper "Although, there are still restrictions on industrial hemp cultivation, pressure from industry in recent years has led to a relaxation of the laws, resulting in a wide variety of new products, ranging from clothing to cosmetics and ice-cream (29). Because hemp is easy to grow, even in the poorest of soils, and can be harvested in four months, its environmental sustainability is a major selling point (30). Moreover, as a plant, like all plants, it absorbs the main greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, from the atmosphere as it grows and due to the fact that it requires very little energy to process, it saves money, conserves fossil fuels and reduces carbon dioxide emissions (31)."
Abstract This paper explains that air pollution is caused by particulate matter, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. The author describes various methods of removing these pollutants from the air. The paper stresses that the government should take action by requiring factories and businesses to have a flare burner, a source for ionizing radiation, the ability to remove sulfur oxides and particulate matter from waste gases, and the ability to change their coal or oil combustions to natural gas combustion. The author concludes that, although it costs a lot of money to prevent air pollution, it may cost more to repair the damages from this pollution.
Table of Contents:
Problem
Solution
Action
Justification
From the Paper "The first thing people see, in the morning, when they walk outside is the sky or the colored sun. Is this world giving us the privilege of seeing the natural colors of the sun through all the layers of pollution within the air? Not only are beautiful sights such as this hidden behind the pollution this world causes everyday, but an increase in diseases, infections and death occurs. What causes pollution? What can we do to prevent it, and get rid of it? Is it fair to the children of the future to have to suffer the consequences that pollution causes? Why not take care of the problem now? Factory and business owners have the ability to prevent air pollution."
Abstract This paper examines the necessity and results of the Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act of 1965. It looks at the affluent American culture of the 1960s that created emission control regulations, which generally requires that auto exhaust gases have to be cleaner than ambient air. The paper argues both sides of the age-old debate of the environment versus economics.
From the Paper "Since World War II, the growth of industrialization skyrocketed. The industrialization growth caused more and more environmental problems. In 1952, a London "fog" killed three thousand (3,000) people in a few days. (Sullivan, p.12) Los Angeles smoke and fog or smog was already famous among the American people during that time. Attention needed to be paid to the growing environmental problems."
Abstract The paper describes the Florida panther and the dangers threatening its survival. The paper discusses the measures taken to combat its extinction such as the Clean Water Act and breeding in captivity. The paper describes what other measures are needed to ensure the panthers survival.
From the Paper "The Florida panther, a subspecies of mountain lion and resident of wetlands such as the Florida Everglades, is one of the most endangered species on Earth today. Two federal laws, the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, have worked together to save the habitat of this animal. The Clean Water Act is particularly important in the preservation of the Florida panther, because the Everglades is its primary remaining habitat."
