Environmental Laws

Introduction

Environmental Laws are designed to help people make the correct choices so that are environment can be saved in every way possible. Just like any other law that is created or passed environmental laws must come from a committee and then passed on to be voted on. Even though all laws don’t follow all the same steps to attempt to be passes they still all must follow a similar one if they hoped to be passed. During the course of this paper I will discuss the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. I will explain the economic impact it has had, and discuss if its improved the environment.

Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-know Act (EPCRA)

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-know Act was enacted in 1986 on October 17th. The “EPCRA was enacted by Congress as a stand-alone provision, Title III, of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986” (Safety Compliance).

The EPCRA established requirements for Federal, State and local governments, Indian Tribes and industry regarding emergency planning and reporting on hazardous and toxic chemicals. This was designed to provide the public and local governments with information concerning chemical hazards that are present in communities as well as help communities deal safely and effectively with hazardous chemicals that are used in societies.

Provisions of the Environmental Law

The EPCRA must provide the public with a report on hazardous and toxic chemicals that are found in the communities. The community right-to-know provisions also include the public’s knowledge and access to information regarding chemicals must be made available at individual facilities, their uses and their releases into the environment must be listed as well.

The States and local communities must work together with facilities to improve chemical safety and