clean air now

Air pollution is still a problem needing to be dealt with locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally. There is a constant need for new technology for industry, motor vehicles, and other pollution sources, and scientists are discovering more and more pollutant effects. The issue of air pollution control is still being addressed, and some action has occurred since the Clean Air Act of 1990. (This law is currently listed in United States Code under Title 42 - The Public Health and Welfare as Chapter 85 - Air Pollution Prevention and Control.)

After the Clean Air Act was amended in 1990, the government knew that additional steps were still needed in the area of air pollution control. Around this same time, Congress passed the Pollution Prevention Act, which went beyond the regulations of the Clean Air Act to stop pollution at its source. Also, almost one hundred countries agreed to and signed the Montreal Protocol which is an effort to stop the destruction of stratospheric ozone, mainly by phasing out CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).

Principles of the Clean Air Act are also being updated. For example, the EPA has been required to set emissions standards for additional chemicals, such as benzene and formaldehyde in 1994. Also, emissions standards are constantly being changed and deadlines are being extended.

For the most recent action in the area of air pollution abatement, see the EPA homepage.