CLEAN AIR ACT TOOLS
Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act
The EPA’s Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act provides a brief introduction to the 1990 Clean Air Act. The 1990 Clean Air Act is the most recent version of a law first passed in 1970 to clean up air pollution. This summary covers some of the important provisions of the 1990 Clean Air Act and may help you understand what is in the law and how it may affect you. If you would like to learn more about the 1990 Clean Air Act, visit www.epa.gov/air/caa/.
Information provided by the Environmental Protection Agency
Table of Contents
- Why Should You Be Concerned About Air Pollution?
- Key Elements of the Clean Air Act
- Cleaning Up Commonly Found Air Pollutants
- Cars, Trucks, Buses, and Nonroad Equipment
- Interstate and International Air Pollution
- Clearing the Air in Our National Parks
- Reducing Acid Rain
- Reducing Toxic Air Pollutants
- Protecting the Stratospheric Ozone Layer
- Permits and Enforcement
- Public Participation
- How the Clean Air Act Is Working
- Ways to Reduce Air Pollution
- Contact Information
Plan EJ 2014: Considering Environmental Justice in Permitting
On February 16, 1994, President Bill Clinton signed Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines environmental justice as “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” E.O. 12898 ordered federal agencies to develop strategies to increase public participation and promote enforcement of health and environmental statutes in minority and low-income communities.
Plan EJ 2014: Considering Environmental Justice in Permitting
This report seeks to address the following:
- Protect the environment and health in overburdened communities.
- Empower communities to take action to improve their health and environment.
- Establish partnerships with local, state, tribal, and federal governments and organizations to achieve healthy and sustainable communities.
Information provided by the Environmental Protection Agency
