Monday August 13, 2007
MACHANG: The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is studying the possibility of using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips on trees to address timber theft.
Its Parliamentary Secretary Datuk Sazmi Miah said that using the RFID system would enable authorities to detect stolen timber.
He said the chips, with data on the species and location of the trees, would be inserted into the trees.
"When the timber is stolen, a radio wave will give away the stolen timber when it passes through a checkpoint. This will enable authorities to identify the culprits and the location where the timber was felled," he said.
Sazmi said he would bring up the proposal to use the chips to the Cabinet soon.
"We feel it is the best and the most effective way to address the problem of timber theft, which is becoming serious," he said.
He said that theft of timber was a serious problem in states like Kedah, Perak, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan, adding that the culprits were mainly logging companies which were awarded timber concessions.
"These companies cut trees outside the concession areas awarded to them," he said. – Bernama
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Environmental Management System
- Experience of a
Malaysian company
Sony Electronics (M) Sdn Bhd (SEM) established an environmental committee in 1993 with the mission to help minimise and reduce the environmental impact of SEM's products and manufacturing processes, More importantly, the SEM Environmental Committee is an integral part of the management process of the company.
SEM Environmental Committee continually seeks to enhance the competitive edge of operations through:
The establishment of SEM Environmental Policy
Continual promotion and elevation of environmental awareness. The Environmental Committee has made environmental training one of its top priority through the development of rigorous training programmes. To date, we have developed a wide range of training programmes from basic awareness courses to specific ISO 14001 and environmental auditing programmes.
Providing of support to the establishment of Environmental Management System (EMS) and to assist Sony companies throughout Malaysia to achieve ISO 14001 certification.
Providing of technical support and consultancy services to the manufacturing facilities like waste minimisation, product design, etc.
Fostering of closer relationship with government bodies such as the Ministry of Science, Technology, and the Environment, SIRIM Berhad and Department of Environment (DOE).
In SEM, we believe that environmental management is a new and alternative approach to business. Why do we make such a statement?
Firstly, we strongly believe that having good environmental management will help us to gain better acceptability in the export market. SEM is an international company and most of our manufactured products are sold in the Western market where environmental concerns are far more advanced than in Asia.
Therefore, to achieve this SEM will have to:
Establish proper environmental management systems in all our facilities
Attain the ISO 14001 certification to demonstrate our commitment to continually improve our management system and with the ultimate goal of improving our environmental performance
Be attentive of and understand the laws and regulations of the countries we export to through monitoring of programmes and updates from our affiliates in these countries
Secondly, SEM's business relies completely on customers. Today, we are living in the age of Green Consumerism where our customers are more aware of environmental issues. Therefore, SEM must embark on programmes to further enhance customer confidence in our products through:
Development of Product Stewardship programmes such as:
Product labelling to better inform our customers of the environmental performances or uniqueness of our products
Product take back programmes at the end of the product's life, so that we can recycle or reuse the parts instead of them finding their way to landfills
Smarter ways of using our natural resources like using more of our recycled materials in our products, etc.
Thirdly, we would like to further enhance the Sony name to the public. We believe we can further enhance the Sony name by:
Demonstrating our leadership in the environmental field by chartering new environmental achievements
Being a good corporate citizen wherever in the world we operate by fostering greater trust in community
Till today, we are still being asked why does a company like SEM need environmental management at all? People always assume that we just do assembly operations, not water and energy or chemical intensive operations like DOW, DuPoint, Shell and ESSO. We always say that environmental management makes good business sense. It provides us opportunity to identify areas where we can improve our performance as well as to reduce costs. To date, we have seen positive results in our plant.
We also feel that having proper environmental management programmes will help us to avoid unnecessary trade complications as we would be well prepared for any surprises that may come our way like new environmental laws in Europe or USA, that could effect the way we manufacture our products.
Fourthly, there are always difficult moments in the areas of implementing environmental issues, especially in the areas of knowledge and awareness. Knowledge and awareness calls for basic requirements and understanding of the need for environmental promotion carried out plant wide, from the very top management right through the staff Organisation. With a population of employees like Sony Electronics (M) Sdn Bhd, the trigger point of environmental knowledge and awareness is definitely erupted from the Environmental Management System Committee itself. Information sources collected from Governmental and Non-Governmental organisations, posters, banners, education seminars and environmental literature, are a great asset when required to follow and spread these environmental knowledge plant-wide, creating awareness among all. On the whole the ISO specification and top management commitment to fulfil the requirements, has become a stronghold to continuously make the spread of environmental participation possible.
Today, the Malaysian industries are faced with more environmental pressures:
Government's introduction of newer and tougher environmental regulations
Investors and financial institutions today are very interested in the environmental performance of a company before carrying out any transactions.
Employees are more aware of environmental issues now than they were a few years ago, and they want to know if they are working in a company that is environmentally safe
Public has the right to know about our environmental performance and how our operations affect their livelihood
Business community and our corporate customers in the US and Europe want to know if our products are manufactured with environmentally sound practices
Media reports on our unfortunate environmental problems, no matter how small, will affect our company's image
Our greener competitors will put pressure on us to achieve better environmental performance
In 1993, Sony Corporate headquarters announced the Global Environmental Policy. This policy is applicable to all Sony companies world-wide which is endorsed by our company's President, Mr Nobuyuki Idei. The policy says:
"Sony recognises that global environmental conservation is one of the most important issues that the world faces. Sony therefore gives environmental conservation full consideration in every aspect of its operations."
In Asia, environmental activities and programmes formally began in 1993 with the formation of the Asia Environmental Office as the body that overlooks the environmental issues of Sony, in Asia. Within each Sony company in Asia, manufacturing or non- manufacturing, environmental committees were established to organise and implement environmental action plans for their respective companies. Top management support is the most important link to the success of a company's Environmental Management Programme. In SEM, the Managing Director is directly in-charge and involved in the Environmental Planning process.
In each country, Sony has also appointed a country environmental chairman, who is usually the most senior Managing Director in that particular country. The role of the country chairman is to oversee the environmental programmes and progress of all Sony companies in his respective country. In Malaysia, SEM is honoured that our Managing Director, Mr T.Tokita, is appointed as the Country Environmental Chairman.
The three years of active environmental activities have produced some significant environmental results for SEM. Some of the significant achievements are:
SEM is in the process of eliminating the use of toxic substances in our manufacturing process by substituting it with less toxic substances
SEM has implemented recycling programmes to recycle all our packaging materials with our vendors
SEM is continuously phasing out the usage of expanded polystyrene as packaging materials. Some of the alternative packaging materials are using corrugated boards and other recycled materials
SEM is in the process of (-Iiminating the use of toxic substances in our manufacturing process by substituting it with less toxic substances
SEM is in the process of switching to energy efficient lighting system such as electronic ballast and reflectors. The savings in our energy bills have been very encouraging
Today, Sony places great emphasis on the development of proper Environmental Management System (EMS), as required by all Sony manufacturing plants world- wide, where EMS must be established and ISO 14001 certification achieved. This requirement is spelt out in Sony Corporation's ISO 14000 policy, which states very clearly that all manufacturing facilities world-wide must achieve ISO 14001 certification by fiscal year 1997 and all non-manufacturing companies by fiscal year 2000.
From 28 to 30 October 1996, SEM had completed the Environmental Compliance Audit with SIRIM and was officially awarded the ISO 14001 certification on Manufacturing of Audio Products on the 17 December 1996. Thus, making SEM the first company to obtain this certification in Malaysia and meeting Sony Corporation's ISO 14001 policy target.
Lastly, SEM as the pioneer in the area of environmental management for manufacturing products is committed in providing environmental conservation full consideration in every aspect of our operation. SEM will continue to be proactive in areas of environmental management by having environmental management programmes as a natural part of our management process.
Malaysian company
Sony Electronics (M) Sdn Bhd (SEM) established an environmental committee in 1993 with the mission to help minimise and reduce the environmental impact of SEM's products and manufacturing processes, More importantly, the SEM Environmental Committee is an integral part of the management process of the company.
SEM Environmental Committee continually seeks to enhance the competitive edge of operations through:
The establishment of SEM Environmental Policy
Continual promotion and elevation of environmental awareness. The Environmental Committee has made environmental training one of its top priority through the development of rigorous training programmes. To date, we have developed a wide range of training programmes from basic awareness courses to specific ISO 14001 and environmental auditing programmes.
Providing of support to the establishment of Environmental Management System (EMS) and to assist Sony companies throughout Malaysia to achieve ISO 14001 certification.
Providing of technical support and consultancy services to the manufacturing facilities like waste minimisation, product design, etc.
Fostering of closer relationship with government bodies such as the Ministry of Science, Technology, and the Environment, SIRIM Berhad and Department of Environment (DOE).
In SEM, we believe that environmental management is a new and alternative approach to business. Why do we make such a statement?
Firstly, we strongly believe that having good environmental management will help us to gain better acceptability in the export market. SEM is an international company and most of our manufactured products are sold in the Western market where environmental concerns are far more advanced than in Asia.
Therefore, to achieve this SEM will have to:
Establish proper environmental management systems in all our facilities
Attain the ISO 14001 certification to demonstrate our commitment to continually improve our management system and with the ultimate goal of improving our environmental performance
Be attentive of and understand the laws and regulations of the countries we export to through monitoring of programmes and updates from our affiliates in these countries
Secondly, SEM's business relies completely on customers. Today, we are living in the age of Green Consumerism where our customers are more aware of environmental issues. Therefore, SEM must embark on programmes to further enhance customer confidence in our products through:
Development of Product Stewardship programmes such as:
Product labelling to better inform our customers of the environmental performances or uniqueness of our products
Product take back programmes at the end of the product's life, so that we can recycle or reuse the parts instead of them finding their way to landfills
Smarter ways of using our natural resources like using more of our recycled materials in our products, etc.
Thirdly, we would like to further enhance the Sony name to the public. We believe we can further enhance the Sony name by:
Demonstrating our leadership in the environmental field by chartering new environmental achievements
Being a good corporate citizen wherever in the world we operate by fostering greater trust in community
Till today, we are still being asked why does a company like SEM need environmental management at all? People always assume that we just do assembly operations, not water and energy or chemical intensive operations like DOW, DuPoint, Shell and ESSO. We always say that environmental management makes good business sense. It provides us opportunity to identify areas where we can improve our performance as well as to reduce costs. To date, we have seen positive results in our plant.
We also feel that having proper environmental management programmes will help us to avoid unnecessary trade complications as we would be well prepared for any surprises that may come our way like new environmental laws in Europe or USA, that could effect the way we manufacture our products.
Fourthly, there are always difficult moments in the areas of implementing environmental issues, especially in the areas of knowledge and awareness. Knowledge and awareness calls for basic requirements and understanding of the need for environmental promotion carried out plant wide, from the very top management right through the staff Organisation. With a population of employees like Sony Electronics (M) Sdn Bhd, the trigger point of environmental knowledge and awareness is definitely erupted from the Environmental Management System Committee itself. Information sources collected from Governmental and Non-Governmental organisations, posters, banners, education seminars and environmental literature, are a great asset when required to follow and spread these environmental knowledge plant-wide, creating awareness among all. On the whole the ISO specification and top management commitment to fulfil the requirements, has become a stronghold to continuously make the spread of environmental participation possible.
Today, the Malaysian industries are faced with more environmental pressures:
Government's introduction of newer and tougher environmental regulations
Investors and financial institutions today are very interested in the environmental performance of a company before carrying out any transactions.
Employees are more aware of environmental issues now than they were a few years ago, and they want to know if they are working in a company that is environmentally safe
Public has the right to know about our environmental performance and how our operations affect their livelihood
Business community and our corporate customers in the US and Europe want to know if our products are manufactured with environmentally sound practices
Media reports on our unfortunate environmental problems, no matter how small, will affect our company's image
Our greener competitors will put pressure on us to achieve better environmental performance
In 1993, Sony Corporate headquarters announced the Global Environmental Policy. This policy is applicable to all Sony companies world-wide which is endorsed by our company's President, Mr Nobuyuki Idei. The policy says:
"Sony recognises that global environmental conservation is one of the most important issues that the world faces. Sony therefore gives environmental conservation full consideration in every aspect of its operations."
In Asia, environmental activities and programmes formally began in 1993 with the formation of the Asia Environmental Office as the body that overlooks the environmental issues of Sony, in Asia. Within each Sony company in Asia, manufacturing or non- manufacturing, environmental committees were established to organise and implement environmental action plans for their respective companies. Top management support is the most important link to the success of a company's Environmental Management Programme. In SEM, the Managing Director is directly in-charge and involved in the Environmental Planning process.
In each country, Sony has also appointed a country environmental chairman, who is usually the most senior Managing Director in that particular country. The role of the country chairman is to oversee the environmental programmes and progress of all Sony companies in his respective country. In Malaysia, SEM is honoured that our Managing Director, Mr T.Tokita, is appointed as the Country Environmental Chairman.
The three years of active environmental activities have produced some significant environmental results for SEM. Some of the significant achievements are:
SEM is in the process of eliminating the use of toxic substances in our manufacturing process by substituting it with less toxic substances
SEM has implemented recycling programmes to recycle all our packaging materials with our vendors
SEM is continuously phasing out the usage of expanded polystyrene as packaging materials. Some of the alternative packaging materials are using corrugated boards and other recycled materials
SEM is in the process of (-Iiminating the use of toxic substances in our manufacturing process by substituting it with less toxic substances
SEM is in the process of switching to energy efficient lighting system such as electronic ballast and reflectors. The savings in our energy bills have been very encouraging
Today, Sony places great emphasis on the development of proper Environmental Management System (EMS), as required by all Sony manufacturing plants world- wide, where EMS must be established and ISO 14001 certification achieved. This requirement is spelt out in Sony Corporation's ISO 14000 policy, which states very clearly that all manufacturing facilities world-wide must achieve ISO 14001 certification by fiscal year 1997 and all non-manufacturing companies by fiscal year 2000.
From 28 to 30 October 1996, SEM had completed the Environmental Compliance Audit with SIRIM and was officially awarded the ISO 14001 certification on Manufacturing of Audio Products on the 17 December 1996. Thus, making SEM the first company to obtain this certification in Malaysia and meeting Sony Corporation's ISO 14001 policy target.
Lastly, SEM as the pioneer in the area of environmental management for manufacturing products is committed in providing environmental conservation full consideration in every aspect of our operation. SEM will continue to be proactive in areas of environmental management by having environmental management programmes as a natural part of our management process.
what is the environmental law??
Environmental law
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Environmental law is a body of law, which is a system of complex and interlocking statutes, common law, treaties, conventions, regulations and policies which seek to protect the natural environment which may be affected, impacted or endangered by human activities. Some environmental laws regulate the quantity and nature of impacts of human activities: for example, setting allowable levels of pollution. Other environmental laws are preventive in nature and seek to assess the possible impacts before the human activities can occur.
Environmental law as a distinct system arose in the 1960s in the major industrial economies. While many countries worldwide have since accumulated impressive sets of environmental laws, their implementation has often been woeful. In recent years, environmental law has become seen as a critical means of promoting sustainable development (or "sustainability"). Policy concepts such as the precautionary principle, public participation, environmental justice, and the polluter pays principle have informed many environmental law reforms in this respect (see further Richardson and Wood, 2006). There has been considerable experimentation in the search for more effective methods of environmental control beyond traditional "command-and-control" style regulation. Eco-taxes, tradeable emission allowances and negotiated agreements are some of these innovations
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Environmental law is a body of law, which is a system of complex and interlocking statutes, common law, treaties, conventions, regulations and policies which seek to protect the natural environment which may be affected, impacted or endangered by human activities. Some environmental laws regulate the quantity and nature of impacts of human activities: for example, setting allowable levels of pollution. Other environmental laws are preventive in nature and seek to assess the possible impacts before the human activities can occur.
Environmental law as a distinct system arose in the 1960s in the major industrial economies. While many countries worldwide have since accumulated impressive sets of environmental laws, their implementation has often been woeful. In recent years, environmental law has become seen as a critical means of promoting sustainable development (or "sustainability"). Policy concepts such as the precautionary principle, public participation, environmental justice, and the polluter pays principle have informed many environmental law reforms in this respect (see further Richardson and Wood, 2006). There has been considerable experimentation in the search for more effective methods of environmental control beyond traditional "command-and-control" style regulation. Eco-taxes, tradeable emission allowances and negotiated agreements are some of these innovations
Friday, August 3, 2007
Can Organic Farming Save the World?
Reporting by Roddy Scheer.
A recent study in the journal Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems shows that organic farming can yield up to three times as much food as conventional farming in both developed and developing countries. The findings contradict arguments that organic farming is not as efficient as conventional agriculture that makes use of environmentally harmful synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
Model estimates indicate that organic methods could produce enough food on a global per capita basis to sustain the current human population, and potentially an even larger population, without increasing the agricultural land base,” researchers wrote in the journal article. They analyzed 293 different previous studies on yields from organic farming to come to their surprising conclusions.
We were struck by how much food the organic farmers would produce,” says the study’s lead author Ivette Perfecto of the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment. “My hope is that we can finally put a nail in the coffin of the idea that you can’t produce enough food through organic agriculture.”
A recent study in the journal Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems shows that organic farming can yield up to three times as much food as conventional farming in both developed and developing countries. The findings contradict arguments that organic farming is not as efficient as conventional agriculture that makes use of environmentally harmful synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
Model estimates indicate that organic methods could produce enough food on a global per capita basis to sustain the current human population, and potentially an even larger population, without increasing the agricultural land base,” researchers wrote in the journal article. They analyzed 293 different previous studies on yields from organic farming to come to their surprising conclusions.
We were struck by how much food the organic farmers would produce,” says the study’s lead author Ivette Perfecto of the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment. “My hope is that we can finally put a nail in the coffin of the idea that you can’t produce enough food through organic agriculture.”
Institute of Environmental & Water Resource Management (IPASA)
IPASA in Brief
The Institute of Environmental & Water Resource Management (IPASA) was established in 1994 previously known as the Institute of Environmental as an effort to integrate available expertise in various fields at UTM to understand and to overcome complex problems related to our environment. IPASA is an interdisciplinary center for environmental research, consultation and graduate training. IPASA also provides continuing education programs (i.e. seminars and short courses) in environmental related areas.
Although it was officially formed in 1994, most of the IPASA associated fellows have vast experience in environmental studies, consultancies and teaching since early 1980s. Currently, IPASA is governed by a Board of Directors and assisted by managers and fellows, chaired by the Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, UTM. A Director and a Deputy Director who are appointed on a rotational basis head the management team.
Objectives
The objectives of IPASA are as follow:
To stimulate, encourage and enhance research programs in environmental related areas;
To establish collaboration among academics in various disciplines related to environmental studies toward enhancing the research programs;
To establish and enhance relationship and collaboration between UTM and various agencies (private and public sectors) in environmental research and consultancy;
To provide advisory and consultancy services to public and private agencies on environmental issues;
To provide facilities for strengthening postgraduate courses in environmental studies offered by related faculties;
To provide technical program in the field of environmental technology and management;
To provide services on environmental quality testing.
Consultancy and Services
With its wide range of expertise, IPASA also provides consultancy and testing services in environmental related areas. IPASA members have carried out more than 100 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and related projects during the past years. Other projects include:
River classification and pollution study
River basin study
Lake and reservoir studies
Industrial wastewater treatment
Coastal erosion protection and land reclamation
Groundwater monitoring network study
Solid and hazardous waste disposal siting
Air pollution control
Ecotoxicology and risk assessment
Urban pollution discharges
With its available sophisticated instruments and well-trained personnel, IPASA is capable of providing services for environmental quality analysis. This includes common water quality parameters testing such as pH, BOD, COD, SS, TOC, turbidity, microbiological study, oil and grease and heavy metals content. Other important testing but non-conventional such as OUR and NUR are also available. Ambient air and fuel gas content and noise level can also be tested. Various other chemical analysis can be carried out at our chemistry and environmental engineering laboratories.
Continuing Education
IPASA also conduct courses and in-service training for public and private sectors. As an example, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) course can be offered to professionals such as architects, engineers, surveyor and planners. Other courses and training conducted includes:
Advanced wastewater treatment
Industrial air pollution control
Clean technology for industrial applications
Medical waste management
Sludge management
Environmental risk assessment
Solid and hazardous waste management
Environmental instrument analysis
Membrane technology for environmental control
Water quality laboratory practices
Sewer:- Physical, chemical and biological reactor
Cleaner production practices
The Institute of Environmental & Water Resource Management (IPASA) was established in 1994 previously known as the Institute of Environmental as an effort to integrate available expertise in various fields at UTM to understand and to overcome complex problems related to our environment. IPASA is an interdisciplinary center for environmental research, consultation and graduate training. IPASA also provides continuing education programs (i.e. seminars and short courses) in environmental related areas.
Although it was officially formed in 1994, most of the IPASA associated fellows have vast experience in environmental studies, consultancies and teaching since early 1980s. Currently, IPASA is governed by a Board of Directors and assisted by managers and fellows, chaired by the Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, UTM. A Director and a Deputy Director who are appointed on a rotational basis head the management team.
Objectives
The objectives of IPASA are as follow:
To stimulate, encourage and enhance research programs in environmental related areas;
To establish collaboration among academics in various disciplines related to environmental studies toward enhancing the research programs;
To establish and enhance relationship and collaboration between UTM and various agencies (private and public sectors) in environmental research and consultancy;
To provide advisory and consultancy services to public and private agencies on environmental issues;
To provide facilities for strengthening postgraduate courses in environmental studies offered by related faculties;
To provide technical program in the field of environmental technology and management;
To provide services on environmental quality testing.
Consultancy and Services
With its wide range of expertise, IPASA also provides consultancy and testing services in environmental related areas. IPASA members have carried out more than 100 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and related projects during the past years. Other projects include:
River classification and pollution study
River basin study
Lake and reservoir studies
Industrial wastewater treatment
Coastal erosion protection and land reclamation
Groundwater monitoring network study
Solid and hazardous waste disposal siting
Air pollution control
Ecotoxicology and risk assessment
Urban pollution discharges
With its available sophisticated instruments and well-trained personnel, IPASA is capable of providing services for environmental quality analysis. This includes common water quality parameters testing such as pH, BOD, COD, SS, TOC, turbidity, microbiological study, oil and grease and heavy metals content. Other important testing but non-conventional such as OUR and NUR are also available. Ambient air and fuel gas content and noise level can also be tested. Various other chemical analysis can be carried out at our chemistry and environmental engineering laboratories.
Continuing Education
IPASA also conduct courses and in-service training for public and private sectors. As an example, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) course can be offered to professionals such as architects, engineers, surveyor and planners. Other courses and training conducted includes:
Advanced wastewater treatment
Industrial air pollution control
Clean technology for industrial applications
Medical waste management
Sludge management
Environmental risk assessment
Solid and hazardous waste management
Environmental instrument analysis
Membrane technology for environmental control
Water quality laboratory practices
Sewer:- Physical, chemical and biological reactor
Cleaner production practices
Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
EPA's Position on EMS
ISO 14001
EPA supports and promotes the development and use of EMSs, including those based on the ISO 14001 standard (the international standard for EMSs), that help an organization achieve its environmental obligations and broaden environmental performance goals. EPA does not specifically favor ISO 14001 over other EMS models or approaches. The Plan-Do-Check-Act/Continual Improvement approach used by ISO 14001 and similar models has proven to be effective as applied to environmental management, but not all facilities have modeled their EMSs on ISO 14001.
EMS at EPA
EPA is committed to implementing EMSs for its own employees, operations and facilities that focuses on compliance, pollution prevention and public outreach.
EPA's Position Statement on EMSsOn December 15, 2005, the EPA reissued its Position Statement on Environmental Management Systems (EMS). The revised Position Statement reaffirms the Agency’s long-held opinion that implementing an EMS will enable businesses, agencies, and other institutions to improve their environmental performance and business competitiveness.
Agency EMS PoliciesThis section contains a more complete discussion of EPA's Policies and approaches to EMS development including EPA's Position Statement on EMS, EPA's Own EMS Policy, and EPA's Strategy for Determining the Role of Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) in Regulatory Programs (EMS Strategy).
More Information
For a more complete discussion of EPA's Policies please see the links below:
Executive Order 13148: Greening the Government Through Leadership in Environmental ManagementThis order requires that by April of 2002, each Federal agency implement environmental management systems (EMS) pilot projects at selected facilities and by December 31, 2005, implement EMSs at all appropriate agency facilities. The EO also directs Federal agencies to conduct an agency-wide self assessment using an accepted EMS framework by October of 2001.
Federal Sector EMS ResourcesThis page provides descriptions and links to resources for federal agencies to use when developing and implementing an EMS for their operations. Many of these resources may be of use to other organizations as well. You can also find a list of EMS resources developed by EPA's Federal Facilities Enforcement Office (FFEO).
EPA's strategy for determining the role of EMSs in Regulatory Programs (PDF, 20 pages, 166 KB)This document is EPA's strategy for addressing the question of whether—and if so, how—it may also be appropriate to consider EMSs in the context of the Federal regulatory structure, either to improve the design of regulatory programs, to encourage the use of EMSs, or both. EPA wishes to make clear that it has no intention of mandating the use of EMSs in rules and permits.
ISO 14001
EPA supports and promotes the development and use of EMSs, including those based on the ISO 14001 standard (the international standard for EMSs), that help an organization achieve its environmental obligations and broaden environmental performance goals. EPA does not specifically favor ISO 14001 over other EMS models or approaches. The Plan-Do-Check-Act/Continual Improvement approach used by ISO 14001 and similar models has proven to be effective as applied to environmental management, but not all facilities have modeled their EMSs on ISO 14001.
EMS at EPA
EPA is committed to implementing EMSs for its own employees, operations and facilities that focuses on compliance, pollution prevention and public outreach.
EPA's Position Statement on EMSsOn December 15, 2005, the EPA reissued its Position Statement on Environmental Management Systems (EMS). The revised Position Statement reaffirms the Agency’s long-held opinion that implementing an EMS will enable businesses, agencies, and other institutions to improve their environmental performance and business competitiveness.
Agency EMS PoliciesThis section contains a more complete discussion of EPA's Policies and approaches to EMS development including EPA's Position Statement on EMS, EPA's Own EMS Policy, and EPA's Strategy for Determining the Role of Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) in Regulatory Programs (EMS Strategy).
More Information
For a more complete discussion of EPA's Policies please see the links below:
Executive Order 13148: Greening the Government Through Leadership in Environmental ManagementThis order requires that by April of 2002, each Federal agency implement environmental management systems (EMS) pilot projects at selected facilities and by December 31, 2005, implement EMSs at all appropriate agency facilities. The EO also directs Federal agencies to conduct an agency-wide self assessment using an accepted EMS framework by October of 2001.
Federal Sector EMS ResourcesThis page provides descriptions and links to resources for federal agencies to use when developing and implementing an EMS for their operations. Many of these resources may be of use to other organizations as well. You can also find a list of EMS resources developed by EPA's Federal Facilities Enforcement Office (FFEO).
EPA's strategy for determining the role of EMSs in Regulatory Programs (PDF, 20 pages, 166 KB)This document is EPA's strategy for addressing the question of whether—and if so, how—it may also be appropriate to consider EMSs in the context of the Federal regulatory structure, either to improve the design of regulatory programs, to encourage the use of EMSs, or both. EPA wishes to make clear that it has no intention of mandating the use of EMSs in rules and permits.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Environmental Laws and Treaties
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
A list of major U.S. federal laws (unless otherwise indicated) pertaining to the environment.
Atomic Energy Act (1954): Was passed because of the government's keen interest in monitoring the commercial and national defense uses of atomic energy. Government concerns included radiation hazards and the disposal of radioactive waste. The act establishes a general regulatory structure for construction and use of nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons facilities. Unlike most environmental statutes, it does not permit citizen suits and affords only limited opportunities for suits by public interest groups.
Clean Air Act (1970): Sets goals and standards for the quality and purity of air in the United States. By law, it is periodically reviewed. A significant set of amendments in 1990 toughened air quality standards and placed new emphasis on market forces to control air pollution.
Clean Water Act (1972): Establishes and maintains goals and standards for U.S. water quality and purity. It has been amended several times, most prominently in 1987 to increase controls on toxic pollutants, and in 1990, to more effectively address the hazard of oil spills.
Coastal Zone Management Act (1972): Provides a partnership structure allowing states and the federal government to work together for the protection of U.S. coastal zones from environmentally harmful overdevelopment. The program provides federal funding to participating coastal states and territories for the implementation of measures that conserve coastal areas.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (1980): Requires the cleanup of sites contaminated with toxic waste. This law is commonly refered to as "Superfund." In 1986 major amendments were made in order to clarify the level of cleanup required and degrees of liability. CERCLA is retroactive, which means it can be used to hold liable those responsible for disposal of hazardous wastes before the law was enacted in 1980.
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (1986): Requires companies to disclose information about toxic chemicals they release into the air and water and dispose of on land.
Endangered Species Act (1973): Is designed to protect and recover endangered and threatened species of fish, wildlife and plants in the United States and beyond. The law works in part by protecting species habitats.
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (1938): Is the nation's major law regulating contaminants in food, including pesticides. The Food and Drug Administration implements most of this law; the Environmental Protection Agency carries out its pesticide standard setting provisions (with FDA enforcement). See also Food Quality Protection Act.
Federal Land Policy and Management Act (1976): Provides for protection of the scenic, scientific, historic and ecologic values of federal lands and for public involvement in their management.
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (1947): Controls the sale, distribution and application of pesticides; amended in 1972, 1988, and 1996. See also Food Quality Protection Act.
Food Quality Protection Act (1996): Is designed to ensure that levels of pesticide residues in food meet strict standards for public health protection. Under this law, which overhauled the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Environmental Protection Agency is required to better protect infants and children from pesticides in food and water and from indoor exposure to pesticides.
Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (1976): Governs the management and control of U.S. marine fish populations, and is intended to maintain and restore healthy levels of fish stocks and prevent overharvesting. Better known as the Magnuson Stevens Act.
Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972): Seeks to protect whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, manatees and other species of marine mammals, many of which remain threatened or endangered. The law requires wildlife agencies to review any activity -- for example, the use of underwater explosives or high-intensity active sonar -- that has the potential to "harass" or kill these animals in the wild. The law is our nation's leading instrument for the conservation of these species, and is an international model for such laws.
National Environmental Policy Act (1970): Was the first of the modern environmental statutes. NEPA created environmental policies and goals for the country, and established the President's Council on Environmental Quality. Its most important feature is its requirement that federal agencies conduct thorough assessments of the environmental impacts of all major activities undertaken or funded by the federal government. Many states have enacted similar laws governing state activities.
Oil Pollution Act (1990): Enacted a year after the disastrous Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska's Prince William Sound, this law streamlines federal response to oil spills by requiring oil storage facilities and vessels to prepare spill-response plans and provide for their rapid implementation. The law also increases polluters' liability for cleanup costs and damage to natural resources and imposes measures -- including a phaseout of single-hulled tankers -- designed to improve tanker safety and prevent spills.
Proposition 65 (1986): Is a California law passed by voter initiative. Known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, Prop. 65 is designed to provide public warnings about the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals and to eliminate toxins from drinking water supplies. It is responsible for California having some of the strongest environmental protections in the nation, and thus has helped make the state a model for other regions seeking to address environmental hazards.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (1976): Seeks to prevent the creation of toxic waste dumps by setting standards for the management of hazardous waste. Like CERCLA, this law also includes some provisions for cleanup of existing contaminated sites.
Safe Drinking Water Act (1974): Establishes drinking water standards for tap water safety, and requires rules for groundwater protection from underground injection; amended in 1986 and 1996. The 1996 amendments added a fund to pay for water system upgrades, revised standard: setting requirements, required new standards for common contaminants, and included public "right to know" requirements to inform consumers about their tap water.
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (1977): Is intended to ensure that coal mining activity is conducted with sufficient protections of the public and the environment, and provides for the restoration of abandoned mining areas to beneficial use.
Toxic Substances Control Act (1976): Authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate the manufacture, distribution, import and processing of certain toxic chemicals.
Go to TopINTERNATIONAL TREATIES A short list of international treaties pertaining to the environment.
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty: A proposed treaty to prohibit all testing of nuclear weapons in all environments: underground, underwater, in the atmosphere and in space. In 1999, the U.S. Senate refused to ratify the treaty.
The Kyoto Protocol: An international agreement setting binding limits on emissions of greenhouse gases from industrialized countries. This agreement was adopted in Kyoto Japan in December 1997 and supplements the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change adopted in 1992.
Montreal Protocol: International agreement signed by more than 150 countries to limit the production of substances harmful to the stratospheric ozone layer, such as CFCs.
Non-Proliferation Treaty: A multilateral treaty signed in 1968 which aims to control the spread of nuclear weapons; extended indefinitely in May 1995. The treaty has been signed by over 175 nations.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: An international agreement for dealing with climate change, adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the "Earth Summit") in Rio in 1992. AKA Climate Change Convention; Climate Treaty. (See also Kyoto Protocol.)For more detailed and comprehensive information, visit Environmental Treaties and Resource Indicators (ENTRI), a searchable database of international environmental treaties from the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN).
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A list of major U.S. federal laws (unless otherwise indicated) pertaining to the environment.
Atomic Energy Act (1954): Was passed because of the government's keen interest in monitoring the commercial and national defense uses of atomic energy. Government concerns included radiation hazards and the disposal of radioactive waste. The act establishes a general regulatory structure for construction and use of nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons facilities. Unlike most environmental statutes, it does not permit citizen suits and affords only limited opportunities for suits by public interest groups.
Clean Air Act (1970): Sets goals and standards for the quality and purity of air in the United States. By law, it is periodically reviewed. A significant set of amendments in 1990 toughened air quality standards and placed new emphasis on market forces to control air pollution.
Clean Water Act (1972): Establishes and maintains goals and standards for U.S. water quality and purity. It has been amended several times, most prominently in 1987 to increase controls on toxic pollutants, and in 1990, to more effectively address the hazard of oil spills.
Coastal Zone Management Act (1972): Provides a partnership structure allowing states and the federal government to work together for the protection of U.S. coastal zones from environmentally harmful overdevelopment. The program provides federal funding to participating coastal states and territories for the implementation of measures that conserve coastal areas.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (1980): Requires the cleanup of sites contaminated with toxic waste. This law is commonly refered to as "Superfund." In 1986 major amendments were made in order to clarify the level of cleanup required and degrees of liability. CERCLA is retroactive, which means it can be used to hold liable those responsible for disposal of hazardous wastes before the law was enacted in 1980.
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (1986): Requires companies to disclose information about toxic chemicals they release into the air and water and dispose of on land.
Endangered Species Act (1973): Is designed to protect and recover endangered and threatened species of fish, wildlife and plants in the United States and beyond. The law works in part by protecting species habitats.
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (1938): Is the nation's major law regulating contaminants in food, including pesticides. The Food and Drug Administration implements most of this law; the Environmental Protection Agency carries out its pesticide standard setting provisions (with FDA enforcement). See also Food Quality Protection Act.
Federal Land Policy and Management Act (1976): Provides for protection of the scenic, scientific, historic and ecologic values of federal lands and for public involvement in their management.
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (1947): Controls the sale, distribution and application of pesticides; amended in 1972, 1988, and 1996. See also Food Quality Protection Act.
Food Quality Protection Act (1996): Is designed to ensure that levels of pesticide residues in food meet strict standards for public health protection. Under this law, which overhauled the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Environmental Protection Agency is required to better protect infants and children from pesticides in food and water and from indoor exposure to pesticides.
Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (1976): Governs the management and control of U.S. marine fish populations, and is intended to maintain and restore healthy levels of fish stocks and prevent overharvesting. Better known as the Magnuson Stevens Act.
Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972): Seeks to protect whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, manatees and other species of marine mammals, many of which remain threatened or endangered. The law requires wildlife agencies to review any activity -- for example, the use of underwater explosives or high-intensity active sonar -- that has the potential to "harass" or kill these animals in the wild. The law is our nation's leading instrument for the conservation of these species, and is an international model for such laws.
National Environmental Policy Act (1970): Was the first of the modern environmental statutes. NEPA created environmental policies and goals for the country, and established the President's Council on Environmental Quality. Its most important feature is its requirement that federal agencies conduct thorough assessments of the environmental impacts of all major activities undertaken or funded by the federal government. Many states have enacted similar laws governing state activities.
Oil Pollution Act (1990): Enacted a year after the disastrous Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska's Prince William Sound, this law streamlines federal response to oil spills by requiring oil storage facilities and vessels to prepare spill-response plans and provide for their rapid implementation. The law also increases polluters' liability for cleanup costs and damage to natural resources and imposes measures -- including a phaseout of single-hulled tankers -- designed to improve tanker safety and prevent spills.
Proposition 65 (1986): Is a California law passed by voter initiative. Known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, Prop. 65 is designed to provide public warnings about the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals and to eliminate toxins from drinking water supplies. It is responsible for California having some of the strongest environmental protections in the nation, and thus has helped make the state a model for other regions seeking to address environmental hazards.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (1976): Seeks to prevent the creation of toxic waste dumps by setting standards for the management of hazardous waste. Like CERCLA, this law also includes some provisions for cleanup of existing contaminated sites.
Safe Drinking Water Act (1974): Establishes drinking water standards for tap water safety, and requires rules for groundwater protection from underground injection; amended in 1986 and 1996. The 1996 amendments added a fund to pay for water system upgrades, revised standard: setting requirements, required new standards for common contaminants, and included public "right to know" requirements to inform consumers about their tap water.
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (1977): Is intended to ensure that coal mining activity is conducted with sufficient protections of the public and the environment, and provides for the restoration of abandoned mining areas to beneficial use.
Toxic Substances Control Act (1976): Authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate the manufacture, distribution, import and processing of certain toxic chemicals.
Go to TopINTERNATIONAL TREATIES A short list of international treaties pertaining to the environment.
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty: A proposed treaty to prohibit all testing of nuclear weapons in all environments: underground, underwater, in the atmosphere and in space. In 1999, the U.S. Senate refused to ratify the treaty.
The Kyoto Protocol: An international agreement setting binding limits on emissions of greenhouse gases from industrialized countries. This agreement was adopted in Kyoto Japan in December 1997 and supplements the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change adopted in 1992.
Montreal Protocol: International agreement signed by more than 150 countries to limit the production of substances harmful to the stratospheric ozone layer, such as CFCs.
Non-Proliferation Treaty: A multilateral treaty signed in 1968 which aims to control the spread of nuclear weapons; extended indefinitely in May 1995. The treaty has been signed by over 175 nations.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: An international agreement for dealing with climate change, adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the "Earth Summit") in Rio in 1992. AKA Climate Change Convention; Climate Treaty. (See also Kyoto Protocol.)For more detailed and comprehensive information, visit Environmental Treaties and Resource Indicators (ENTRI), a searchable database of international environmental treaties from the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN).
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