Chapter 52 A. Introduction 1. Historical Perspective. Begin by indicating why pollution control laws have been enacted. Point out that pollution and pollution laws have existed for centuries, although the 1970's saw an unprecedented amount of environmental legislation, due partly to the increased affluence of our nation at that time and the increasing concern about the longterm effects of pollutants. Note that the interest in environmental problems has taken on global dimensions in the late 1980s and early 1990s; note also that environmental laws and regulations significantly affect not only how companies can do business but also the cost of doing it. At the same time they can provide business opportunities and, in some cases, advantages. 2. Environmental Protection Agency. Point out that EPA has the primary responsibility at the federal level for developing environmental regulations and enforcing the environmental laws. List the major environmental statutes and briefly describe them so that the student has a sense of the breadth of the laws covered in this chapter. Note that a number of the statutes are implemented at the state level with EPA exercising an oversight role. You should note that many states and local governments have enacted pollution control laws; you might want to present examples of state and local laws. 3. The National Environmental Policy Act. Emphasize that the rationale for NEPA, and the environmental impact statements required by NEPA, is to assure that the environmental consequences of particular projects or programs are considered before they are undertaken and that decision makers consider any less environmentally disruptive alternatives to those projects and programs and/or ways that the environmental impact can be mitigated. Note that many states and some local governments have enacted laws or ordinances that require