Environmental Regulations in the United States

Historically the United States was a primary exporter of ion-exchange resin. As of 1994, the United States imports substantially more than it exports. Because compliance with tightening environmental regulations in the United States impacts on the cost of manufacture, offshore resin is most often lower in price. 

The factors are discussed which lead to the formation of environmental regulations in the United States, following the growing realisation over the last 150 years of the environmental impact of the new chemicals which were being developed. Initiatives for new regulations often come from the public, and their concerns at the time, particularly in relation to pollution prevention, air quality, and the protection of children s health. Current environmental regulations are discussed along with their impact on industrial research and development. Future trends are forecast to be related to air quality, children s health, and pollution prevention. 11 refs. 

MULTIMEDIA APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES... 

For stationary sources such as power plants, environmental regulations in the United States and elsewhere require plants be built using "Best Available Control Technologies" (BACT). In the United States, these regulations control SO2, NO,., and particulate emissions. However, holding older plants to the same standards often is much more difficult and expensive. A plant built in 1960 to burn coal, for example, may be very expensive to retrofit with advanced emission control technologies, such as scrubbers for SO2. 

Shipment of hydrazine solutions is regulated in the United States by the Department of Transportation (DOT) which classifies all aqueous solutions between 64.4 and 37% N2H4 as "Corrosive" materials with a subsidiary risk of "Poison". Hydrazine has been identified by both the Environmental Protection Agency and the DOT as a hazardous material and has been assigned a reportable quantity (RQ) of 0.450 kg (1 lb) if spilled. Dmms for the shipment of these solutions must bear both the DOT specification "Corrosive" and "Poison" labels in association with the markings "RQ Hydrazine Aqueous Solution UN 2030." Aqueous solutions of 37% concentration or less are a hazard Class 6.1, UN 3293, Packing Group III and require "Keep Away From Food" placards and labels. 

Environmental Standards. Lead in the environment is regulated in the United States because of its potential occupational impact, as well as concern about the impact lead may have on the cognitive and physical development of young children. Standards have been set for lead in air, water, and other environmental media. 

Since 1979, the use of 2,4,5-T has been regulated in the United States. It is likely that the United States Environmental Protection Agency will classify some dioxins as "known" and others as "probable" human carcinogens and recommend further controls be placed on processes that produce them. It appears, from decreasing dioxin levels in some soils, that existing regulations are having some effect. ... 

Universal waste is a legal environmental term used in the United States. The Universal Waste Regulations in the United States streamline the collection requirements for certain hazardous wastes in the specific categories decided by the Federal and the State governments. The Universal Waste Regulations ease regulatory burdens on businesses promote proper recycling, treatment, or disposal and provide for efficient, proper, and cost-effective collection opportunities. 

Table 5.2. Chronology of Environmental Events and Regulations in the United States (Not Necessarily Related to the Petroleum Refining Industry)...

C. Lahusen and R. Munch, Introduction Democratic Politics and Ecological Challenges, In Democracy at Work, A Comparative Sociology of Environmental Regulation in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States,... 

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