Clean Air

 

Decades of Progress at Risk

The Clean Air Act has protected Americans for almost 40 years. Weve made tremendous progress, but there is still much to be done.  Since the Clean Air Act was passed, weve virtually eliminated the public health risk from airborne lead, and significantly reduced pollution leading to acid rain.  Unfortunately, although weve also made progress battling smog pollution, new studies have concluded that smog and soot are dangerous to human health at lower levels than previously thought.  Luckily, the Clean Air Act provides the tools needed to address these threats.

 

Clean Air Under Assault

Since taking office in 2001, the Bush Administration has sought to undermine our clean air protections.  Most notorious was the so-called “Clear Skies Act,” which, despite the cheery title, would repeal significant protections Americans currently enjoy.  While this was a true threat during the last Congress, current leadership in both the House and Senate are disinclined to support this bill, and it is not expected to go far.

 

Behind the Scenes, Below the Belt

Although “Clear Skies” received significant press attention, many other attacks have been launched through the administrative process; some are still underway.  By changing how it interprets the law, the Environmental Protection Agency can remove the substance of the law while leaving its form in place.  By using new definitions or simply disregarding Congressional directives the EPA has delayed, and in some cases turned its back on, proven environmental protections.  While the courts have stepped in to restore some of these protections, the delay in pollution reduction is a public health disaster.