19. Ecologist Frank Ortega warned that the state's decision to ______ the rigid standards for disposal of toxic wastes would be construed as a signal that sloppiness in handling such wastes will be tolerated.
Answer: C
The state's decision to relax the rigid standards for disposal of toxic wastes would signal tolerance for sloppiness.
Ecologist Frank Ortega indicated that the state's action regarding the rigid standards would imply a relaxed attitude toward the proper handling of toxic wastes. Therefore, the most fitting word to complete the sentence is "relax."
A) enforce
Choosing "enforce" implies that the state would be strengthening the standards, which contradicts the warning about sloppiness. If the standards were enforced, it would suggest a commitment to strict regulations rather than a signal of tolerance.
B) codify
"Codify" refers to the act of arranging laws or rules into a systematic code, which does not align with the idea of signaling tolerance or sloppiness. This word does not convey any sense of loosening or changing the existing standards, making it an incorrect choice.
C) relax
"Relax" is the most appropriate choice as it directly supports the notion that the state is easing its stringent standards, leading to an implication that carelessness in handling toxic wastes may be accepted. This aligns perfectly with Ortega's warning.
D) publicize
Selecting "publicize" would suggest that the state is making the standards known, which does not indicate any change to the rigidity of those standards. This option fails to address the concept of tolerance for sloppiness, rendering it incorrect.
Conclusion
The correct answer, "relax," directly reflects the concern raised by Frank Ortega regarding the implications of adjusting the rigid standards for toxic waste disposal. The other options either suggest a reinforcement of standards or do not address the issue of sloppiness, thereby failing to capture the intended meaning of the sentence.