What Is the Clean Air Act?

In response to growing concerns about air pollution and its harmful effects on public health and the environment, the United States passed the Clean Air Act. While that law has ensured that cities across the country have cleaner air, air pollution is still a huge problem. In this article, we will discuss what is the Clean Air Act, what it requires, and how getting further training can benefit you.

History of the Clean Air Act

The Clean Air Act (CAA) is a federal law that regulates emissions from both stationary and mobile sources. Originally enacted in 1963, the CAA is aimed at improving air quality and reducing air pollution and has been subsequently amended multiple times throughout the years to keep up with the changing times. Below are the years that include several key milestones:

• 1970: Established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and introduced air quality standards
• 1977: Addresses issues like non-attainment areas and new source review requirements
• 1990: Introduced new programs to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds

What Does the Clean Air Act Require?

The Clean Air Act mandates the EPA to establish national ambient air quality standards for common pollutants, such as particle pollution, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and lead, based on recent science to protect public health and welfare.

States must develop plans to maintain air quality standards, addressing emissions beyond state lines and impacting neighboring states. The Act also aims to reduce pollution from motor vehicles and industrial operations. The Act also includes specific measures for:

• Protecting against hazardous or toxic air pollutants that cause health hazards such as cancer or environmental threats such as heavy metal bioaccumulation
• Establishing a cap-and-trade program to reduce acid rain as it is harmful to aquatic life, forests, and property.
• Stopping chemical emissions that erode the stratospheric ozone layer, which protects us from skin cancer and eye impairment
• Requiring a program to restore visibility in national parks and wilderness. Regional haze makes it difficult to see in national parks and other recreational locations.
• Mandating that areas with clean air be protected from severe degradation in air quality;

In addition to programs to address existing pollution concerns, Congress wrote the Act with provisions to address emerging pollution issues, such as greenhouse gasses that cause climate change.

Get Trained on the Clean Air Act

At OSHA.com, we provide a comprehensive course that goes over the purpose and significance of the Clean Air Act throughout its legislative history. This course also discusses how the Clean Air Act was intended to protect people and how successfully that goal has been met.

Environmental professionals, including EHS managers, compliance officers, engineers, and corporate attorneys, must receive Clean Air Act training to ensure compliance with safety and environmental activities.

If you are looking for something more thorough, our Certified Environmental Specialist course provides a complete overview of EPA laws. This course focuses on environmental compliance and workplace safety, which is essential for safety professionals working in the public and environmental sectors. Head to OSHA.com and enroll today!