Question 1

The Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that greenhouse gases, including CO2 emissions, do not constitute a public danger.

Accepted Answer

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not concluded that greenhouse gases, including CO2 emissions, do not constitute a public danger. On the contrary, the EPA has established that greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2, pose a threat to public health and welfare. In 2009, the EPA made an endangerment finding, determining that these emissions contribute to climate change and, as a result, threaten public health and the environment.

Question 2

An environmental impact statement is required for every major federal action that significantly affects the quality of the environment.

Accepted Answer

This is mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, which requires federal agencies to consider the environmental impacts of their actions and involve the public in the decision-making process. The preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) is one of the key steps in this process.

Question 3

Only the federal government may restrict emissions from motor vehicles.​

Accepted Answer

States can also set their own emissions standards, as seen with California's waiver under the Clean Air Act, allowing them to enforce stricter regulations than the federal government.

Question 4

The Environmental Protection Agency periodically updates the air pollution standards.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regularly reviews and updates the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for six key pollutants in order to protect public health and the environment.

Question 5

Persons who provide information about violators of the Clean Air Act may be paid up to $10,000.

Accepted Answer

The Clean Air Act allows for whistleblowers to receive a reward of up to $10,000 for providing information about violations of the law.

Question 6

There are no plans to develop national standards regulating the fuel economy and emissions for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory bodies have been working on developing and updating standards for fuel economy and emissions for medium- and heavy-duty trucks to reduce environmental impact.

Question 7

The primary responsibility for preventing and controlling air pollution rests with the federal government.

Accepted Answer

The primary responsibility for preventing and controlling air pollution typically rests with state and local governments, although the federal government sets national standards and provides oversight through agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Question 8

Cities and counties may impose rules regulating methods of wastes removal.​

Accepted Answer

Cities and counties have the authority to regulate the methods of waste removal within their jurisdiction. These regulations may include requirements for proper disposal and handling of various types of waste, as well as licensing and permitting for waste removal companies.

Question 9

Injured individuals can rely on the common law to obtain damages from business polluters.

Accepted Answer

The common law allows injured individuals to sue businesses for damages caused by pollution. The legal principle of "nuisance" can be applied to hold businesses liable for harm caused by their pollution. However, there may be limitations to the common law depending on jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case.

Question 10

The Environmental Protection is required to list all hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) on a prioritized schedule.

Accepted Answer

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required by law to develop and publish a list of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) on a prioritized schedule, called the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) list. This list helps guide the agency's regulatory efforts to reduce emissions of HAPs from various sources, such as industrial facilities and vehicles.

Question 11

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits can be issued even if a discharge will violate water-quality standards.

Accepted Answer

NPDES permits may be issued with limitations and conditions to mitigate and control any harmful effects of the discharge on water quality. However, if a discharge causes or contributes to a violation of water-quality standards, the permit may be modified or revoked by regulatory authorities. The issuance of an NPDES permit does not give the permit holder the right to violate water-quality standards.

Question 12

Businesses that engage in ultrahazardous activities are not liable for any injuries the activities cause.

Accepted Answer

Businesses that engage in ultrahazardous activities are considered strictly liable for any injuries or damages these activities cause, regardless of whether the business took precautions to prevent the harm. This is because the potential harm from these activities is so great that it is not reasonable to impose the burden of preventive measures on those who may be harmed by them.

Question 13

National effluent (pollution) standards are set by each affected industry.

Accepted Answer

National effluent standards are set by the EPA, not by each affected industry.

Question 14

Federal law provides the basis for issuing regulations to control multistate air pollution.

Accepted Answer

The Clean Air Act of 1970 is a federal law that authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish regulations to control air pollution from sources that affect air quality across multiple states. This includes emissions from power plants and other industrial facilities. The EPA sets national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) and implements programs to reduce pollution and improve air quality in areas designated as nonattainment. States are also required to develop State Implementation Plans (SIPs) to achieve and maintain compliance with NAAQS.

Question 15

New sources of water pollutants must install pollution-control equipment with all deliberate speed after beginning operations.

Accepted Answer

The answer of New sources of water pollutants must install...

Question 16

Those who knowingly violate the Clean Air Act may be subject to civil penalties but not criminal penalties.

Accepted Answer

Those who knowingly violate the Clean Air Act may be subject to both civil and criminal penalties.

Question 17

Performance standards for major sources of air pollution require the use of the any available technology, or AAT.

Accepted Answer

Performance standards for major sources of air pollution typically require the use of the Best Available Control Technology (BACT), not "any available technology."

Question 18

A public authority, such as a state's attorney general, can sue to stop a "public" nuisance.​

Accepted Answer

This is true. A public authority can sue to stop a public nuisance, which is defined as an activity that interferes with the health, safety, or property rights of the community. This can include things like pollution, excessive noise or traffic, or the presence of hazardous materials. The state's attorney general is one example of a public authority that can initiate legal action to address these types of problems.

Question 19

Different standards for air quality apply to existing sources of pollution and major new sources.

Accepted Answer

This is true. Existing sources of pollution are held to different standards compared to major new sources, as new sources may have to meet more rigorous standards to ensure they do not worsen existing air quality issues.

Question 20

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System focuses on industrial wastewater and storm water discharges.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System focuses...

Quiz 45: Environmental Protection