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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

National Paralegal College | Evaluated Learning Experience

Environmental Law (PLG-203)

Length: 

Varies; self-study format.

Location: 
Various, distance learning format.
Dates: 
October 2010 - Present.
Instructional delivery format: 
Online/distance learning
Learner Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: identify sources and legal foundations of environmental law; explain the litigation process including the concept of standing; outline the history of the development of environmental law and the concept of environmental justice; apply management principles to environmental law; explain the relationship of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to environmental law; compare and contrast National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) with other environmental laws; define the nature of waters covered by the Clean Water Act (CWA) and explain the procedures for the CWA permit system; describe the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); identify technology-based standards applicable under federal environmental law; outline and research major provisions of the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) and the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA); research and describe the technological standards applicable to the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Permit Program and an Operating Permit Program; list four characteristics of hazardous waste; outline key elements of the Toxic Substances and Control Act (TSCA) inventory and chemical identity; summarize the history of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and how it differs from other federal environmental acts, including substances covered by FIFRA; compare and contrast the focus of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and other environmental acts; defend the importance of the emergency planning component of EPCRA; illustrate the Toxic Chemical Release Inventory Reporting requirements; and list types of laws that are considered natural resource laws.

Instruction: 
This course introduces students to the study of environmental law with emphasis on the role of the paralegal and surveys major environmental acts in the United States, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and other legislation. Also presented is an overview of the treatment of issues concerning the environment from a legal perspective. Evaluation criteria include: required readings, essay assignments, class participation, and final exam.
Credit recommendation: 

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category OR in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Environmental Law (1/13) (3/18 revalidation).

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