ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book addresses fundamental and environmental concepts that are necessary to an understanding of information related to environmental laws and regulations. It describes environmental assessment and impacts, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements, and the NEPA process, which is essential to sound environmental planning and management. The book discusses the all important matter of environmental compliance. It talks about the safety precautions and features that are necessary when working with toxic and hazardous materials and wastes. The environmental advantage is in maintaining a knowledge of, and being conversant with, environmental regulations and laws, the history of how the laws came into existence, compliance requirements, and the environments to be protected. The human population will be more at peace with the requirements of its environment. The environmental ethic will dominate that relationship.
