What is one of the principal goals of the Clean Air Act?

The principal goal of the Clean Air Act is to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards. These standards are essential because they set limits on the concentration of specific air pollutants that are harmful to public health and the environment. The Act aims to protect and enhance the nation's air quality by regulating emissions from a variety of sources, including industries, vehicles, and other contributors to air pollution.

By creating these standards, the Clean Air Act provides a framework for states and local governments to develop and implement strategies that ensure air quality meets established health criteria. This focus on regulating air quality standards is a critical component of public health protection and environmental conservation.

Other options relate to concepts that are not aligned with the objectives of the Clean Air Act. For instance, increasing industrial emissions would contradict the goal of reducing pollution. Deregulating power plants and reducing landfills are associated with different environmental regulatory frameworks, not the primary purpose of the Clean Air Act.