CEA Environmental Law & Enforcement Flashcards

Which U.S. law grants citizens the right to sue polluters and the EPA for failure to enforce environmental standards?

Answer: Clean Water Act citizen suit provision

The Clean Water Act's citizen suit provision (Section 505) allows individuals and organizations to sue polluters or the EPA for enforcement failures.

What is the primary purpose of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?

Answer: To require federal agencies to assess environmental impacts before major actions

NEPA requires federal agencies to evaluate the environmental consequences of proposed major federal actions through Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) or Environmental Assessments (EA).

Under CERCLA, what term describes the parties who can be held liable for cleanup costs at contaminated sites?

Answer: Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)

CERCLA uses the term 'Potentially Responsible Parties' (PRPs) to identify owners, operators, generators, and transporters who may be liable for Superfund site cleanup.

What enforcement tool allows EPA to issue legally binding compliance schedules without going to court?

Answer: Administrative Order on Consent (AOC)

An Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) is a binding agreement between EPA and a party that sets cleanup or compliance obligations without requiring court action.

Which Clean Air Act program requires major stationary sources to obtain an operating permit that consolidates all air compliance requirements?

Answer: Title V Operating Permit Program

The Title V Operating Permit Program requires major sources to obtain comprehensive permits that incorporate all applicable Clean Air Act requirements in one document.

What is the statute of limitations for bringing a civil enforcement action under most federal environmental laws?

Answer: 5 years

Most federal environmental civil enforcement actions are subject to a 5-year statute of limitations under 28 U.S.C. § 2462.