CON-234 Laws for the Management of Air Resources, Solid Waste and Hazardous Substances

This course focuses on New York State and Federal laws for the protection of air resources, the management of solid waste and regulation of substances harmful to the environment. Students will study the New York State Environmental Conservation Law as it relates to protection of air resources, the management, transportation and disposal of solid and hazardous waste and the use of substances potentially hazardous to the environment such as pesticides. Students will also study related federal statutes including the Clean Air Act, NEPA and CERCLA. Students will be introduced to potential careers through the study of relevant local, state and federal regulatory agencies.

Credits

3

Lecture Contact Hours

3

Lab Contact Hours

0

Other Contact Hours

0

Department

• Environmental Conservation and Horticulture

Grading Scheme

• Letter

SUNY Gen Ed Credit

• No

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply tools for the creation of environmental laws and policy.
2. Identify major statutes (state and Federal) related to the protection of air resources, and the management of solid, hazardous, and potentially hazardous wastes.
3. Practice interpreting and summarizing Environmental Impact Statements (EISs).
4. Analyze course topics within the context of current news and events.

View Course Outline

CON 234: Laws for the Management of Air Resources, Solid Waste and Hazardous Substances

Department

Environmental Conservation and Horticulture

Course Description

This course focuses on New York State and Federal laws for the protection of air resources, the management of solid waste and regulation of substances harmful to the environment. Students will study the New York State Environmental Conservation Law as it relates to protection of air resources, the management, transportation and disposal of solid and hazardous waste and the use of substances potentially hazardous to the environment such as pesticides. Students will also study related federal statutes including the Clean Air Act, NEPA and CERCLA. Students will be introduced to potential careers through the study of relevant local, state and federal regulatory agencies.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

Lecture	3
Lab	0
Other	0

Grading Scheme

Letter

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply tools for the creation of environmental laws and policy.
2. Identify major statutes (state and Federal) related to the protection of air resources, and the management of solid, hazardous, and potentially hazardous wastes.
3. Practice interpreting and summarizing Environmental Impact Statements (EISs).
4. Analyze course topics within the context of current news and events.

Topic Outline

1. Introduction to environmental law and policy
   1. History of environmental conservation
   2. Perspectives on law and policy
   3. The practice of environmental protection
2. Introduction to Federal Laws concerning relevant topics 
   1. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
   2. Clean Air Act
   3. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
   4. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
   5. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
   6. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
3. Introduction to New York State Environmental Conservation Law articles, especially: 
   1. Article 8 (SEQR – State Environmental Quality Review)
   2. Article 19 (Air pollution control)
   3. Article 27 (Collection, treatment and disposal of refuse and other solid waste)
   4. Article 33 (Pesticides)
4. Current events in the context of all statutes discussed in the class