The Clean Air Act, CAA, or “Act to improve, strengthen, and accelerate programs for the prevention and abatement of air pollution” is an environmental law enacted by the 88th US Congress in December of 1963. It was created for the purpose of regulating air pollution on a national level. This was accomplished through a federal program in the US Department of Public Health, and authorization for research regarding the detection, control, and maintenance of existing air pollution. Though the law has been revised and republished many times, the purpose remains largely the same. Below are some of the major goals in mind with the passing of this law.
Control of Common Causes
The CAA largely struggles to lessen the amount of toxic or hazardous chemicals or particulates in our atmosphere. This legislation aims to regulate the production of this pollution in order to preserve the quality of life for citizens.
Hazardous Pollutants
Particularly hazardous pollutants, such as heavy metals, must be prevented in order to protect the environment and those who live in it. There is a strong correlation between bio-accumulation (prolonged exposure inside of the body, due to accidental consumption)of heavy metals and many forms of cancer.
Acid rain, Ozone Protection and More
Acid rain damages the environment over a period of time, destroying life and preventing soil from being able to host crops. The stratospheric ozone layer of Earth’s atmosphere, which provides inhabitants with eye protection and protection from skin cancer, is depleted and destroyed by chemical emissions that could be lessened with regulation.
More than anything, this Act was put in place to protect citizens and their necessary resources. Though the majority of pollution controlled by the CAA is from corporations, and not individual citizens. However, it is important for every citizen to understand the requirements of the Clean Air Act.
Specific Requirements
- States must create and enforce a plan to keep air pollution in their areas at an acceptable level. Six common pollutants (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, ozone, and lead) have been labelled “criteria” pollutants, which are given a specific allowed level.
- Policies made by the states must also take into account air drifting from one state to another, and may not simply draft their pollution into a different state. The state that creates the air pollution is responsible, not the state downwind.
- New stationary sources of power (such as factories or power plants) must be run with the best available technology, though the law also calls of a relaxation of the laws surrounding existing establishments.
- Specific provisions have been put into place inside this Act concerning smog in natural areas, acid rain, ozone depletion, and toxic or hazardous chemicals in the air. The state plans must also take these factors into account.
- Though this legislation is considered very inclusive, lawmakers left a provision open to deal with the condition of the air as matters escalate. This provision allows changes in requirements and research, should changes be necessary to deal with matters such as climate change.
Through these specific requirements, the Clean Air Act hopes to improve the quality of life on planet earth. These regulations prevent big businesses from simply sweeping misdeeds under a rug, ensures that the public will be more informed about their surroundings, and ultimately has proven to be one of the strongest environmental laws in the US to date. Through citizen and government cooperation, Acts such as the Clean Air Act can be put into full affect. Remember that it is the responsibility of the citizen to learn about laws like the CAA, and what those laws can do for everyone’s quality of life.