The Clean Air Act of 1970

A) Background

During the 1960s, American towns and cities were suffering from increasing levels of smog and particulate pollution, causing a demonstrable threat to public health. Additionally, some of these pollutants were known to cause significant damage to the atmosphere, prompting a response from the Federal

Government.

In response, the Federal Government instituted the Clean Air Act of

1970. The act sets minimum national standards for air quality, and institutes fines and ‘nonattainment penalties’ for states that cannot meet the

standards. Additionally, the Clean Air Act of 1970 set minimum emissions standards for new vehicles. The act also authorized National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which aimed to regulate emissions of six compounds that threatened public health:

  • Lead(PB)
  • Sulfur Dioxide(SO2)
  • Nitrogen Dioxide(NO2)
  • Carbon Monoxide(CO)
  • Particulate Matter (Abbreviated‘PM’)
  • Ozone(O3)

States and localities unable to meet the minimum standards are required to establish and maintain programs to reduce emissions, including vehicle

emissions testing.