Automotive Fuel Economy

At the time of the energy crisis, the fuel economy of automobiles averaged 13.5 miles per gallon (mpg) and trucks averaged 11.6 mpg. One of the purposes of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act was to provide for the improved energy efficiency of motor vehicles. For passenger cars, the EPCA gradually increased the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards to 27.5 mpg for vehicles built after 1984. The CAFE standard for light trucks is currently 20.7 mpg and is scheduled to increase to 22.2 mpg for the 2007 model year.

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) was passed by Congress in 1977 to protect the environment from the detrimental effects of surface mining of coal and provide for the restoration of surface mining areas ("reclamation") to beneficial use once the coal is exhausted. The SMCRA also provides for the reclamation of coal mines abandoned before the enactment of the SMCRA.

Safe Drinking Water

In 1974, Congress enacted the Safe Drinking Water Act for the purpose of regulating public water systems throughout the country and ensuring the safety of public drinking water, as well as protecting sources of drinking water such as lakes, rivers, springs, reservoirs, and groundwater.