Marine Food-Chains - Mercury in Environmental Politics and Law

Explore the complex environmental and legal issues surrounding the U.S. military's use of Vieques, Puerto Rico as a training site in this 48-minute lecture from Yale University's Environmental Politics and Law course. Examine the challenges of identifying and restoring hazardous sites, including political opposition, compensation for affected parties, and determining appropriate levels of environmental restoration. Delve into the impact of government secrecy on environmental protection efforts, particularly regarding military testing grounds. Learn about the application of various environmental statutes such as RCRA, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, CERCLA, and NEPA in site reclamation. Discover the historical context of Vieques, the effects of weaponry on the island's landscape, and the consequences of leasing the island for military use.