Environmental Law and Ethics

Environmental Law and Ethics

ETH/321

Environmental Law and Ethics

Environmental responsibility is a growing concern within the society and requires continuing governance by the appropriate regulatory authority. Therefore, it is imperative to examine the scenario involving Eric, Assistant Vice President at a marine paint manufacturing plant, determine the administrative agency involved, and review the ethics behind regulatory compliance requirements.

An Administrative Agency that Governs Regulatory Compliance of the Manufacturer

The Environmental Protection Organization is the primary federal agency which is responsible for controlling fish and shellfish farming in America. However, there are various institutions and programs at the government level required in the aquaculture activities. Some of these aquaculture exercises include Plant and Animal Health Inspection Services (USDA); the Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA); the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS); the Joint Sub-committee on Aquaculture as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The federal government is responsible for directing the aquaculture and nourishment associated activities including the exchange of products and businesses amongst the state or even amongst other nations. The Occupational Safety and Health Organization (OSHA) which is also a government agency under the Department of Labor in America will also govern the regulatory compliance of the manufacturer. The function is to ensure healthful and secure business environments for the working women and men through placement and imposing values as well as supplying training services.

Ethical Concerns Regarding the President’s Actions and What Erick Should Do

There are several ethical issues associated with the president’s actions. It is regrettable that a leader of such a big producing firm decides to ignore the environmental problems which are caused by his leadership or management’s negligence. Due to the magnitude of this oil spillage, it is disturbing to see the president suppress the research which is available despite knowing that the marine life was significantly affected by the company’s activities. Nonetheless, it is a naked fact that the president was attempting to paralyze and compromise the moral principles of beneficence which assert that it is the mandate of these professionals or experts to do productive and well-thought research to serve better and improve the welfare of the constituents which in this case is the marine life. Similarly, the president of this company was not socially responsible as he did not act ethically in the elimination of these environmental impacts.

As an environmentalist, Erick should not be silent after realizing this heart is breaking information about the study and the reaction of his president. He should be a whistleblower but anonymously; thus, hide his identity. This action will help him in keeping his job and also play his role as an environmentalist by informing the OSHA. Similarly, Erick should discuss the issue with the company’s cooperate responsibility manager who will handle the problem by ensuring the upholding of ethical practices.

Conclusion

Overall, environmental issues have become an enormous concern within the society as outlined in the scenario mentioned above; therefore, it is imperative to know the administrative agency that governs the manufacturer and ensure continued compliance and ethical standards at all times.

 References

http://www.fao.org/fishery/legalframework/nalo_usa/en

Mendelson, H. R. (April 01, 1992). OSHA. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 123, 4, 11-12.

OSHA, (January 01, 2006). Sharps safety still tops OSHA citations. Case Management Advisor, 17, 8, 93.

OSHA, (January 01, 2007). OSHA Presents Rules on Emergency Exit Routes. Afe Facilities Engineering, 34, 4, 7-10.