Major Environmental Laws

More than a dozen major statutes or laws form the legal basis for the programs of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA); 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347
NEPA is the basic national charter for protection of the environment. It establishes policy, sets goals, and provides means for carrying out the policy.

Chemical Safety Information, Site Security and Fuels Regulatory Relief Act Public Law 106-40, Jan. 6, 1999; 42 U.S.C. 7412(r) Amendment to Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act Factsheets and full text

The Clean Air Act (CAA); 42 U.S.C. s/s 7401 et seq. (1970)

The Clean Water Act (CWA); 33 U.S.C. s/s 121 et seq. (1977)

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund) 42 U.S.C. s/s 9601 et seq. (1980)

The Emergency Planning & Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA); 42 U.S.C. 11011 et seq. (1986)

The Endangered Species Act (ESA); 7 U.S.C. 136;16 U.S.C.

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); 7 U.S.C. s/s 135 et seq. (1972)

Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.

Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) Public Law 104-170, Aug. 3, 1996

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA); U.S.C. s/s 552 (1966)

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA); 29 U.S.C. 651 et seq. (1970)

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA); 33 U.S.C. 2702 to 2761

The Pollution Prevention Act (PPA); 42 U.S.C. 13101 and 13102, s/s et seq. (1990)

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); 42 U.S.C. s/s 321 et seq. (1976)

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA); 42 U.S.C. s/s 300f et seq. (1974)

The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA); 42 U.S.C.9601 et seq. (1986)

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); 15 U.S.C. s/s 2601 et seq. (1976)

A more comprehensive list of laws (as of 1995) administered by EPA is available.