Federal Energy and Environmental Regulation Agencies and Laws

Business LawObjective 7.02

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Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

Manages the wholesale price of natural gas and electricity sold for interstate commerce use.

Answers questions about increase in prices

State Utility agencies regulate prices Manages transportation of electricity and

natural gas Ensures that regulated energy companies

are following guidelines set by the law

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U.S. Department of Energy

Protects National Security Applies advanced science and

nuclear technology Protects economic security Promotes supply and delivery of

reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy

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Energy Reorganization Act

Energy Reorganization Act created the NRC

Controls licensing, constructing, and creation of nuclear reactors

Manages possession, use, transportation, and disposal of nuclear material

Controls all nuclear activities

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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Responsible for environmental protection

Implements the Environmental Policy Act

Governs the environmental laws for air, water, solid waste, toxic substances, and noise pollution

Controls executive orders

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National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Fights Pollution and cleans the environment

Explains consequences for environmental violation

Prevents or eliminates damage to the environment

Requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values by creating Environmental Impact Statements each week that are posted every Friday on the website

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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Manages all federal antipollution programs Handles air, solid waste, toxic substances,

and pesticides Sets guidelines for program Monitors programs Establishes grants to help eliminate

pollution Researches and sets national standards for

programs Issues permits

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Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

Consists of a five member commission One member is appointed by the President Generates safety policies and regulations for nuclear

reactors and materials and allows the Executive Director for Operations (EDO) to handle policies and decisions of the commission

Issues licenses Handles legal matters Directs the activities of the program EDO ensures safety of commercial use of nuclear

materials in the US Offices handle inspections, enforcement of laws, and

emergency response programs licensees

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Clean Air Act

Established to protect public health and the environment

Was created by the US Environmental Protection Agency to authorize the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to assist in the creations of law to protect the environment

Handles problems such as acid rain, ground-level ozone, and air toxics

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Clean Water Act

Protects water quality Does not handle ground water Helps to reduce pollution in

waterways, wastewater treatment plants, and control runoff pollution

Protects the fish, shell fish, and wildlife in water

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Toxic Substance Control Act

Tracks industrial chemicals produced and imported into the US

Handled by the EPA Screens, tests, and reports

chemicals that pose a threat to the environment

EPA can prohibit the manufacture or import of chemicals thought to be hazardous

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Pollution Prevention

Oil Pollution Act (OPA)

Works to prevent drastic oil spills

Established a trust fund to help clean up spills

Oil facilities must submit detailed reports to the Federal government explaining how they will handle unexpected spills

Pollution Prevention Act

Works to reduce pollution

Handles activities such as recycling, source reduction, and sustainable agriculture

Helps to protect conservation issues such as energy, water, and natural resources

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Energy Laws

Energy Tax Act (ETA)

Handles unstable energy climate

Established in 1978 Promotes energy

conversion of boilers, coal, solar, and wind technology

National Energy Conservation Policy

Act

Works to helps decrease electricity demand

Regulates utilities for residential consumers electricity