![]() ![]() ![]() Changes to the act in 1990 included provisions to (1) classify most nonattainment areas according to the extent to which they exceed the standard, tailoring deadlines, planning, and controls to each area’s statuts (2) tighten auto and other mobile source emission standards (3) require reformulated and alternative fuesl in the most polluted areas (4) revise the air toxics section, establishing a new program of technology-based standards and addressing the problem of sudden, catastrophic releases of air toxics (5) establish an acid rain control program, with a markatble allowance scheme to provide flexibility in implementation (6) require a state-run permit program for the opertation of major sources of air pollutants (7) implement the Montreal Protcol to phase out most ozone-depleting chemicals and (8) update the enforcement provisions so that they parallel those in other pollution control acts, including authority for EPA to assess admisnitrative penalites. The 1977 amendments adjusted the auto emission standards, extended deadlines for the attainment of air quality standarads, and added the Prevention of Significant Deterioration program to protect air cleaner than national standards. The 1970 amendments established the procedures under which the EPA sets national standards for ambient air quality, required a 90% reduction in emissions from new autombiles by 1975, established a program to require the best avialble control technology at major new sources of air pollution, established a program to regulate air toxics, and greatly strengthened federal enforcement authority. ![]() Prior to 1955, air pollution was the exclusive responsibility of state and local levels of government. The CAA was originally enacted in 1955 and was amended in 1970, 1977, and 1990 as an effort to protect the nation’s air quality. The Clean Air Act (“CAA”) seeks “to protect and enhance the quality of the Nation’s air resources so as to promote the public health and welfare and the productive capacity of its population.” 42 U.S.C. Clean Air Act: An Overview Background and Statutory Framework ![]()
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