Question 1

Weste,Inc.decided to expand by building a $50 million manufacturing facility.The expansion is not regulated or approved by the government.Nevertheless,Weste must prepare an environmental impact statement.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 2

A Japanese company operates a ship called the Kinia.If the Kinia sails in U.S.waters,it must comply with the standards set by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.

Accepted Answer

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 applies to all vessels operating in U.S. waters, regardless of their country of origin. Therefore, if the Japanese company's ship, Kinia, sails in U.S. waters, it must comply with the standards set by the act.

Question 3

A person who violates the Clean Water Act can face possible imprisonment in addition to other penalties.

Accepted Answer

The Clean Water Act provides for criminal penalties, including imprisonment, for certain violations.

Question 4

The Food Quality Protection Act requires the EPA to set pesticide standards at levels that are safe for children,and if the available information is unclear,the EPA must reduce levels to one-half the amount now permitted in food under the Federal Food,Drug,and Cosmetic Act.

Accepted Answer

The Food Quality Protection Act requires the EPA to set pesticide standards with an additional safety factor for children, typically reducing levels to one-tenth, not one-half, of the amount permitted if data is unclear.

Question 5

If the United States had ratified the Kyoto Protocol,it would have been placed on an equal economic footing with its competitors China and India,which were bound by the treaty.

Accepted Answer

The Kyoto Protocol did not impose binding emission reduction targets on developing countries like China and India, only on developed countries.

Question 6

Under the Clean Air Act:

Accepted Answer

Under the Clean Air Act, states and the EPA were to act as partners wherein the individual states would formulate State Implementation Plans to meet primary and secondary standards created by the EPA. This choice accurately describes the relationship between the states and the EPA under the Clean Air Act.

Question 7

Sam,the chief executive officer of Boch Industries,was criminally prosecuted for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.Which of the following is correct concerning the penalties?

Accepted Answer

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act provides for both criminal and civil penalties. As the CEO of Boch Industries, Sam could be held personally liable for violations committed on behalf of the company. Therefore, he could face criminal fines as well as imprisonment. Boch Industries may also face criminal fines. The option of an injunction is a civil remedy, and it is not exclusive.

Question 8

Beecher,Inc.is building a $20 million dollar addition onto its distribution facility.To build the facility,Beecher must add fill material to two acres of wetlands.Under the Clean Water Act,Beecher needs a permit to fill in the wetlands.

Accepted Answer

The Clean Water Act requires a permit for filling in wetlands, so Beecher would need a permit to fill in the wetlands for their addition.

Question 9

Local regulation is more effective than state or federal regulation in controlling air pollution.

Accepted Answer

Local regulations can be important for addressing specific pollution sources, but air pollution often crosses local boundaries, making state or federal regulations more effective for widespread control and ensuring uniform standards across larger areas.

Question 10

An Environmental Impact Statement must be prepared for every major federal project that significantly affects the quality of the environment.

Accepted Answer

This statement is correct according to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which requires an Environmental Impact Statement for all significant federal actions that significantly affect the quality of the environment.

Question 11

The EPA brought an administrative action against Boch Industries for violating the Clean Air Act.The administrative law judge ruled in the EPA's favor.Boch Industries:

Accepted Answer

Boch Industries can appeal the decision to a U.S. Court of Appeals and then to the U.S. Supreme Court, as that is the standard appellate path for administrative actions.

Question 12

We Care,a nonprofit environmental organization,believes that Quanaco is violating the Clean Air Act.The EPA has not taken any action against Quanaco.We Care can file a citizens' suit against Quanaco,but not against the EPA.

Accepted Answer

The answer of We Care,a nonprofit environmental organization,believes that Quanaco...

Question 13

Under the Clean Water Act,a municipality must obtain a permit for any discharge from a wastewater treatment plant.To obtain a permit,the municipality must first treat the waste to reduce its toxicity.

Accepted Answer

Under the Clean Water Act, municipalities are required to obtain a permit for any discharge from a wastewater treatment plant. To obtain the permit, the municipality must meet certain standards and treat the waste to reduce its toxicity, in order to protect the environment and public health. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 14

Scott Industries is producing a foul-smelling odor as a by-product of its factory's operations.However,the emission is not harmful to the health of those exposed to it.Scott would be subject to a primary national ambient air quality standard established by the EPA.

Accepted Answer

Since the emission is not harmful to health, it would not be subject to a primary national ambient air quality standard established by the EPA.

Question 15

Ogle,Inc.has decided to sell a new chemical.Before selling the chemical,Ogle must register it with the EPA.

Accepted Answer

It is true that before selling a new chemical, it must be registered with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in the United States. This is to ensure that the chemical is safe for human health and the environment. The EPA also sets guidelines and regulations for the use, handling, and disposal of chemicals.

Question 16

Federal legislation requires the government to develop plans to revive species that are in danger of becoming extinct.

Accepted Answer

The Endangered Species Act is a federal law that mandates the development of plans to recover endangered and threatened species.

Question 17

TriColor,Inc.purchased a piece of land from HBC,Inc.Hazardous waste was subsequently discovered on the land.Even though TriColor did nothing illegal,it may be liable under CERCLA for the cleanup costs.

Accepted Answer

Under CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act), a current landowner can be held liable for cleanup costs of hazardous waste on their property even if they were not responsible for the contamination. This is known as strict liability.

Question 18

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)was created by Congress to:

Accepted Answer

The creation of the EPA was to consolidate environmental regulations under one agency. Its primary purpose is to protect human health and the environment by enforcing laws passed by Congress related to air and water pollution, hazardous waste, and other environmental issues.

Question 19

What prevents the market system from achieving a clean environment on its own?

Accepted Answer

Externalities, such as pollution or environmental damage caused by businesses, are not reflected in the market prices of goods and services. This means that businesses do not have to pay for the full social and environmental costs of their activities, which can lead to overconsumption of resources and pollution. Therefore, the market system needs regulation and incentives to encourage businesses to internalize the costs of their environmental impact and adopt more sustainable practices.

Question 20

Federal regulation of environmental issues is governed by one of several national agencies depending on whether the issue relates to water pollution,air pollution,or waste disposal.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Federal regulation of environmental issues is governed...

Quiz 26: Environmental Law