Question 1

The export restrictions of hazardous materials under the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act are less onerous compared to the Federal Insecticide,Fungicide,and Rodenticide Act.

Accepted Answer

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) has more stringent export restrictions for hazardous materials compared to the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). FIFRA regulates the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides, whereas RCRA regulates the management of hazardous waste from cradle to grave.

Question 2

Within the European Union,an environmental action program came about because of:

Accepted Answer

The environmental action program within the European Union was a result of the Single European Act. This act, signed in 1986, aimed to establish a single market in Europe and to increase cooperation among member states in various areas, including environmental policy. The environmental action program was created to address environmental concerns in a coordinated way across the EU.

Question 3

The U.S.prohibits the export of pesticides not approved by the U.S.EPA.

Accepted Answer

This is because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates pesticides to ensure they are safe to use and do not harm the environment. Therefore, it is illegal to export pesticides that have not been approved by the EPA for use in the United States.

Question 4

There is no U.S.law forbidding the export of pesticides banned in the U.S.to foreign countries.

Accepted Answer

While the United States has regulations on the use and sale of certain pesticides within the country, there is no law specifically prohibiting the export of these pesticides to other countries where they may be banned or restricted. However, companies must comply with the regulations of the receiving country and may face legal repercussions if they violate those regulations.

Question 5

Multinational agencies have advanced the environmental effort by applying uniform environmental standards to projects they finance.For example:

Accepted Answer

The World Bank has developed a set of Environmental Guidelines that are applied to the industrial projects it finances, promoting uniform environmental standards.

Question 6

The "circle of poison" refers to the importation of crops produced in developing nations using pesticides banned in the U.S.

Accepted Answer

The "circle of poison" is a term used to describe the cycle of hazardous pesticides that are produced in developed countries, exported to developing nations, used on crops, and then imported back into developed nations through food and other products. The use of these pesticides can be harmful to human health and the environment, and many of them have been banned in the U.S. due to their toxicity.

Question 7

Developing nations generally favor:

Accepted Answer

Developing nations generally favor an ad valorem tax on all imports to promote environment-friendly development in poorer nations and transfer of environmentally appropriate technology for little or no charge. This is because these measures enable them to balance their environmental concerns with their economic development needs. A permanent trade and environment committee in the WTO may also be helpful in addressing environmental issues in trade, but it is not a top priority for developing nations. Additionally, an ad valorem tax on all imports can provide revenue that can be used to finance environmental initiatives in these countries. Lastly, access to environmentally appropriate technology on favorable terms will enable developing nations to achieve their environmental goals more efficiently and with less cost.

Question 8

Before a U.S.firm can export chemical substances subject to the U.S.Toxic Substances Control Act:

Accepted Answer

All of these options are correct. Before a U.S. firm can export chemical substances subject to the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act, they need to notify the EPA of the export, maintain adequate records, and the EPA must notify the foreign country of destination. This is to ensure compliance with the regulations and protect human health and the environment.

Question 9

In the area of solving international environmental issues,the North American approach has been to use:

Accepted Answer

The North American approach to solving international environmental issues has been focused on bilateral treaties, where two countries agree to work together to address specific environmental concerns. This approach has been successful in the past, such as the Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement and the United States-Mexico Border Environmental Cooperation Agreement. Arbitration and the World Court are more formal and legally binding approaches that are typically used in settling disputes between countries, while mediation is a less formal approach that is focused on negotiating a solution, rather than imposing one.

Question 10

Under NAFTA's Environmental Side Agreements:

Accepted Answer

NAFTA's Environmental Side Agreements allow for the suspension of NAFTA benefits if a party consistently fails to enforce its environmental laws, aiming to ensure that trade and environmental policies are mutually supportive.

Question 11

In the Shrimp Importation Case,the WTO Appellate Body determined that:

Accepted Answer

The WTO Appellate Body determined that the U.S. program certifying the use of TEDs or devices of comparable effectiveness was not an unjustified discrimination against Malaysian shrimp products. The program was found to be consistent with Article XX of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) as it related to the conservation of an exhaustible natural resource (i.e., sea turtles). Therefore, the U.S. was justified in applying the program to all shrimp imports, regardless of their origin, and not just Malaysian products.

Question 12

The "circle of poison" refers to:

Accepted Answer

The "circle of poison" refers to the practice of the foreign sale of U.S.-made pesticides that have been banned in the United States and then reimported as a residue on imported foods. This creates a cycle in which Americans are exposed to these banned chemicals through imported foods, causing health concerns.

Question 13

Because of the lack of international agreement to protect the ozone layer from damage by chemical emissions into the atmosphere,firms operating in developing countries will be able to continue to emit ozone damaging chemicals in the future.

Accepted Answer

The lack of international agreement does not mean that firms operating in developing countries will be allowed to continue emitting ozone-damaging chemicals. There may still be national regulations or policies in place in these countries to protect the ozone layer. Additionally, some developed countries may have laws or agreements in place that restrict the import of products containing such chemicals.

Question 14

The World Trade Organization has been successful in imposing the environmental policies of developed nations upon all the developing economies members to enact such policies and compliance.

Accepted Answer

The World Trade Organization's main function is to facilitate trade between member countries and it does not have the authority to impose environmental policies on its members. Each country is free to decide and implement its own environmental policies as long as they comply with WTO agreements.

Question 15

Under the Montreal Protocol,trade in chlorofluorocarbons is strictly controlled.

Accepted Answer

The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of various substances, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Trade in CFCs is strictly controlled under the Montreal Protocol to ensure compliance with the phase-out schedule.

Question 16

The Kyoto Protocol has been a resounding success for member nations that are signatories in reaching the quantitative goals.

Accepted Answer

The Kyoto Protocol has not been a resounding success in reaching the quantitative goals, as many member nations have not reached their emissions reduction targets.

Question 17

Which of the following statements are true about current international environmental conventions?

Accepted Answer

The United States has not signed the Biodiversity Convention, and while they are a party to the Climate Change Convention, they have not set timetables for limiting carbon dioxide emissions. Third World countries do have greater flexibility in complying with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Question 18

The cornerstone of U.S.environmental regulation of exports is the concept of:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The cornerstone of U.S.environmental regulation of exports...

Question 19

The environmental regulations in developed economies are rationalized to protect the global environment and encourage developing economies to enact similar environmental laws.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The environmental regulations in developed economies are...

Question 20

Developing nations tend to oppose extensive international environmental regulation because it impairs their ability to profit from less-sophisticated production techniques.

Accepted Answer

Developing nations often prioritize economic growth and industrialization over environmental concerns, and strict regulations may limit their ability to use cheaper and less environmentally friendly production methods. They may argue that developed nations have already had the chance to develop their economies without strict regulations and that they should have the same opportunity. However, there are also developing nations that recognize the importance of environmental protection and support international regulations.

Quiz 20: Environmental Law