Heavy Industry Act of 2106

The Heavy Industry Act of 2106 was one of a series of environmental laws passed by the United Earth Congress in 2106 designed to prevent the further deterioration of the environment on Terra.

It required that all Heavy industry adopt one of three options. Many companies unsucessfully attempted to sue for more time to implement those measures, and it caused the bankrupcy and closure of a number of less financially viable ones. By 2131, the biggest heavy industries had departed Earth's surface and extreme measures were taken to restore Earth's evironment.
 * Relocate into space - Either be placed into orbit, or either on or below the surface of a atmosphere less moon, or an asteroid.
 * Be placed underground in vaults that isolate it from the outside environment.
 * If the industry can prove that it produces zero emissions (all waste products being contained within the facility, no matter if those emissions consist of greenhouse gases, liquid waste or thermal energy) it can remain on the surface of the Earth.