The Clean Air was designed by the congress in 1970 for protecting public health, and welfare of the public. The act had two major revisions in 1977 and 1990. The revisions were due to initiatives to target newly discovered pollution. The Clean Air Act requires EPA to establish national regional air quality standards for certain common and widespread pollutants. These common air pollutants are called “criteria pollutants” found all over the United States. These criteria pollutants are: particulate pollution, ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and lead.
States are responsible for developing enforceable plans that meet and maintain air quality that meet national standards. EPA assist state efforts by providing technical assistance and issuing national emission standards for new sources. issuing national emission standards for new sources. If a state fails to provide an adequate plan, EPA must then issue a federal implementation plan for the state. A State plans for non-attainment areas generally are due within 3 years after designations for a new or revised air quality standard is issued. These plans must provide for attainment of the standard air quality within 5 years of designation, or up to 10 years if EPA determines additional time is needed due to the area’s severity of pollution and availability of controls.
No comments:
Post a Comment