### Question
How does the law define adverse environmental effect?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 7412*, **adverse environmental effect** is defined as:

> any significant and widespread adverse effect, which may reasonably be anticipated, to wildlife, aquatic life, or other natural resources, including adverse impacts on populations of endangered or threatened species or significant degradation of environmental quality over broad areas

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 7412*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 85-AIR POLLUTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL > SUBCHAPTER I-PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES > Part A-Air Quality and Emission Limitations**

