1.
Clean Air Act (United States)
Objective/Rationale: The Clean Air Act aims to control air pollution by regulating emissions
from stationary and mobile sources.
Policy: It sets emission standards for pollutants, promotes research on air quality, and
encourages the use of cleaner technologies.
2. Clean Water Act (United States)
Objective/Rationale: The Clean Water Act seeks to maintain and restore the quality of water
bodies by regulating point-source and nonpoint-source pollution.
Policy: It establishes water quality standards, regulates industrial discharges, and provides
funding for wastewater treatment infrastructure.
3. Kyoto Protocol (International)
Objective/Rationale: The Kyoto Protocol addresses global climate change by setting targets for
industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Policy: It establishes legally binding emission reduction commitments and encourages the use of
clean energy and carbon offset projects.
4. Endangered Species Act (United States)
Objective/Rationale: The Endangered Species Act aims to protect and recover endangered and
threatened species and their ecosystems.
Policy: It prohibits the harming or harassing of listed species, designates critical habitats, and
facilitates conservation efforts.
5. Paris Agreement (International)
Objective/Rationale: The Paris Agreement addresses climate change by bringing countries
together to limit global temperature increases and adapt to its effects.
Policy: It encourages countries to set and achieve emissions reduction targets and supports
climate resilience and adaptation measures.
6. Marine Pollution (MARPOL) Convention (International)
Objective/Rationale: MARPOL aims to prevent and reduce marine pollution from ships,
including oil, sewage, and garbage.
Policy: It sets regulations for ship design and operations, mandates the use of pollution
prevention equipment, and establishes special areas with stricter rules.
7. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (United States)
Objective/Rationale: RCRA addresses the management of hazardous waste to protect human
health and the environment.
Policy: It regulates the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous
waste and promotes recycling and proper disposal practices.
8. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (United States)
Objective/Rationale: NEPA requires federal agencies to consider environmental impacts when
making decisions on projects and policies.
Policy: It mandates environmental impact assessments, public involvement, and the
consideration of alternative actions for federal projects.
9. Basel Convention (International)
Objective/Rationale: The Basel Convention controls the transboundary movement and disposal
of hazardous waste to minimize environmental and health risks.
Policy: It sets rules for the export and import of hazardous waste, encourages waste
minimization, and promotes environmentally sound management.
10. Wildlife Protection Act (India)
Objective/Rationale: This Act is designed to protect and conserve wildlife in India and their
habitats.
Policy: It prohibits hunting and trade of specified wildlife species, establishes protected areas,
and promotes the conservation and management of wildlife and their habitats.
Strict liability in environmental law holds parties responsible for environmental harm without
fault or intent, compensating affected individuals and encouraging preventive measures. It covers
cleanup and restoration costs. This differs from negligence, which requires proof of fault or
negligence, making it more challenging to establish liability in environmental harm cases.
International treaties and conventions establish legal norms and principles, influencing nations'
interpretation and application of law in areas like human rights, environmental protection, trade,
and conflict resolution, standardizing legal approaches and promoting cooperation.
NGOs play a crucial role in environmental litigation by providing legal expertise, research, and
public support, but face challenges like resource limitations, legal hurdles, opposition,
complexity, and political pressure.
The Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases in the Philippines outline legal processes for
environmental protection. They prioritize quick resolution, offer tools like Environmental
Protection Orders, encourage public involvement, and allow for flexible evidence. Settlements
must align with environmental goals, and appeals can go to higher courts.
One writ which was successful was issued in the Bt eggplant case filed by environmental
campaigner Greenpeace in 2016. Scientists carrying out field trials of genetically engineered
eggplants were ordered then to halt their research over concerns regarding plant biodiversity and
human health.
Clean Air Act (US): Regulates air quality and emissions to reduce pollution.
Clean Water Act (US): Controls water pollution and sets quality standards.
Endangered Species Act (US): Protects endangered species and their habitats.
Paris Agreement (Intl): Addresses climate change and sets emission reduction goals.
Kyoto Protocol (Intl): Establishes emission reduction commitments to combat climate change.
NEPA (US): Requires environmental impact assessment for federal projects.
RCRA (US): Manages hazardous waste to protect human health and the environment.
Basel Convention (Intl): Controls transboundary hazardous waste movement.
Wildlife Protection Act (India): Safeguards wildlife and habitats.
MARPOL Convention (Intl): Regulates marine pollution from ships.
These laws aim to protect the environment, conserve species, mitigate climate change, and
manage pollution and waste.
"Blue laws" traditionally refer to regulations that restrict certain activities, often on Sundays or
other specific days, for religious or moral reasons. These laws have evolved over time and vary
by jurisdiction. Here are some examples of blue laws and their purposes:
1. Sunday Sales Laws:
Purpose: Historically, these laws prohibited the sale of alcohol, goods, or services on Sundays to
encourage religious observance, provide a day of rest, and promote moral values.
2. Retail Operation Restrictions on Sundays:
Purpose: These laws historically mandated the closure of retail businesses on Sundays to allow
employees a day off and to preserve Sunday as a day of worship and leisure.
3. Alcohol Sales Restrictions:
Purpose: These laws regulate the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on Sundays,
limiting access to alcohol for moral, public safety, or health reasons.
4. Gambling Restrictions:
Purpose: Blue laws related to gambling often restrict or regulate gambling activities to address
moral concerns, reduce addiction, and minimize social issues associated with gambling.
5. Dancing and Entertainment Regulations:
Purpose: Some blue laws restrict or regulate dancing and entertainment venues on Sundays or
other specific days to promote conservative values, control social behavior, and encourage
religious observance.
6. Noise Ordinances on Sundays:
Purpose: These laws may limit loud activities, particularly on Sundays, to ensure a peaceful
environment and respect for residents' need for rest and religious observance.
7. Shopping Restrictions on Holidays:
Purpose: Laws that restrict retail operations on certain holidays, including Sundays, aim to
provide employees with a day off, preserve family and religious observance, and discourage
commercialization of holidays.
The effectiveness of blue laws has been debated over time. Some people view them as a way to
promote religious observance, family time, and moral values. Others argue that they can hinder
economic activity and infringe upon personal freedoms. The effectiveness of these laws often
depends on the cultural and societal context and the balance between traditional values and
modern priorities. Many jurisdictions have adapted or repealed blue laws to better serve
contemporary interests and values.
Brown Laws as regulations related to land-related protection, including waste management,
water/wastewater, air quality, and in-land water quality protection. Here are laws in these areas
and their purposes:
1. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (United States):
Purpose: Regulates the management of hazardous waste to protect human health and the
environment, including land, by controlling hazardous waste generation, transportation,
treatment, storage, and disposal.
2. Clean Water Act (United States):
Purpose: Regulates water quality by controlling point-source and nonpoint-source pollution,
establishing water quality standards, and funding wastewater treatment infrastructure to protect
water bodies and surrounding land.
3. Clean Air Act (United States):
Purpose: Regulates air quality to protect human health and the environment, including land, by
setting standards for emissions of pollutants and promoting the use of cleaner technologies.
4. Safe Drinking Water Act (United States):
Purpose: Ensures the safety of drinking water by setting standards for drinking water quality and
regulating public water systems to protect public health and the land surrounding water sources.
5. Land Pollution Control and Management Law (Japan):
Purpose: Regulates the disposal of waste, particularly hazardous waste, to prevent soil and land
pollution and protect the environment.
6. Environmental Protection Act (United Kingdom):
Purpose: Provides a framework for controlling land contamination and pollution, particularly
from industrial activities, to protect land and groundwater quality.
7. Air Pollution Control Ordinance (Hong Kong):
Purpose: Regulates air pollution sources to control emissions of pollutants that can harm air
quality and land in Hong Kong.
8. Water Pollution Control and Management Law (South Korea):
Purpose: Regulates the discharge of pollutants into water bodies to protect water quality, land,
and ecosystems in South Korea.
These laws address various aspects of land-related environmental protection, including waste
management, air and water quality, and land pollution control. Their goals are to protect the land,
human health, and the surrounding environment from the adverse impacts of pollution and
contamination. The effectiveness of these laws depends on factors such as enforcement,
compliance, and adaptation to changing environmental conditions.