What does the Clean Air Act regulate?

The Clean Air Act specifically regulates air emissions from various sources to protect public health and the environment. This landmark legislation, enacted in 1963 and amended several times thereafter, provides the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the authority to set and enforce air quality standards aimed at reducing air pollution. The Act encompasses a wide range of pollutants, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides, among others.

By focusing on air emissions, the Clean Air Act addresses the effects of air pollution on human health and the environment, including its contribution to respiratory problems, acid rain, and climate change. The Act requires states to establish and maintain state implementation plans (SIPs) that outline how they will achieve and maintain the national air quality standards set by the EPA. This regulation plays a crucial role in safeguarding air quality and public health across the United States.