Module 12 (1&2) Flashcards
What governments can pass environmental laws
Any government
Where did environmental law come from?
The environmental movement
What is the Environmental Movement?
A movement that emerged in the 60s on societies concern about excessive resource use, and species going extinct
What 3 things is environmental law informed by and establish our legal relationship with the environment
Science
Politics
Ethics
The most effective environmental laws are usually those that are guided by what?
The best available scientific evidence
Sometimes science and politics clash in environmental law, what is an example?
The issue of climate change. The scientific community has been warning us about the conseqences, but countries have not done anything about it
How does environmental law operate?
it sets limits on pollution and limits on environmental damage, and protections
What are environmental treaties?
International agreements that are agreed to between countries working together to address environmental problems
What is the overall goal of environmental law?
Sustainable development
What 3 things does environmental law do to achieve sustainable development?
1) sets rules to manage resources now and in the future
2) sets precautionary rules to limit pollution and protect species
30 seeks equal protection for all
What does it mean by: many of the targets of environmental law dont recognize political borders?
Eg. some endangered bird species migrate through multiple provinces and countries on an annual basis
What is shared jurisdiction?
There are certain aspects of the environment that can be regulated federally, and some provincially
Explain the Fisheries Act
Talks about what fish species can be commercially and recreationally fished, the equipment used, and the intensity of the activity
What is the Canadian Energy Regulator?
Approves and regulates oil and has pipelines that carry products around thr world
What is the “Canadian Environmental Protectio Act”?
Gives the federal givernment the responsiblity to regulate and limit the use of any substance that is dangerous to humans and the environemnt (after a toxicity assessment)
What are the Federal Areas of Authority?
Fishing
Using wateways for shipping
Toxic substances
Regulate during emergencies
What areas in environmental law does the provinces have authority?
Property and civil rights
Matters of local or private nature
Mines or minerals and forestry
Municipalities
What is the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act?
Where alberta can manage the activites that occur at oil and gas sights, and prosecute people who pollute the environment
Forestrys are managed through the ________ act
Forests act
Oil and gas activities are regulated through what acts?
Oil and Gas conservation Act
Oil sands conservation Act
what is a key component of responsible development and long term economic viability
Environmental stuardship
What act gives municipalities authority to pass local environmental laws
Municipal governments Act
What legislation was challenged by the provinces about carbon tax?
greenhouse gas pollution pricing act
In Canada, why has progress on climate change been stalled?
Because of the provincial and federal government not agreeing on the approperiate legal responses to address climate change
