What is the Clean Air Act?

Clean Air Act (CAA), along with numerous amendments, was passed with the purpose of developing and achieving air quality standards throughout the US. It gave rise to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which limit the amount of certain air pollutants discharged into the air based upon air quality standards averaged over specific intervals of time. The EPS issues primary and secondary quality standards.

Primary Air Quality Standards – These standards relate to levels of air particulates that pose a risk to public health; and

Secondary Air Quality Standards – These standards relate to the negative consequences of the pollution on the environment or property (but generally outside of the threat to human health).

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