Practice explaining the role of environmental policy, the EPA, major U.S. environmental laws, and how evidence is used to make decisions.
Read each problem carefully. Use complete sentences and include evidence or examples when possible.
How laws, regulations, and the EPA protect people and the environment
Environmental Science - Grade 9-12
- 1
Define environmental policy in your own words. Include one example of a goal an environmental policy might try to achieve.
- 2
Explain the main role of the Environmental Protection Agency, also called the EPA, in the United States.
- 3
A factory releases smoke that contains pollutants into the air. Identify one type of EPA action that could address this problem and explain how it would help.
- 4
Compare a law and a regulation in environmental policy.
- 5
The Clean Air Act is a major U.S. environmental law. Describe one reason this law is important.
- 6
The Clean Water Act focuses on protecting surface waters such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Give one example of a pollution source this law could help control.
- 7
Describe what an environmental impact statement is and why it may be required before a large project is approved.
- 8
A city wants to build a new highway through a wetland. List two environmental concerns that policy makers should consider before approving the project.
- 9
Explain how scientific data can influence environmental policy decisions.
- 10
A regulation requires power plants to reduce mercury emissions. Explain one possible benefit and one possible cost of this regulation.
- 11
Explain the idea of environmental justice and why it matters in environmental policy.
- 12
Write a short policy recommendation for reducing plastic pollution in a local community. Include one specific action and one reason it could be effective.