Air Pollution: Who's Responsible?

Air pollution is a pressing global issue that poses a threat to human health and the economy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for over 8 million deaths annually worldwide, with significant economic costs. In the United States, various government departments play a role in addressing air pollution. At the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a key organization responsible for establishing National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and regulating hazardous air pollutant emissions under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The EPA works with state and local governments, as well as tribal governments, to implement the CAA and reduce air pollution through partnerships and enforceable state implementation plans. At the state level, organizations such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) set their own emissions limits and develop policies to address unique air quality challenges in their respective states. Local air districts and city councils also play a crucial role in regional air quality planning and land-use decision-making processes. Internationally, the Department of State's OES Air Quality Program operates in numerous countries to advance global collaboration on clean air initiatives.

The Clean Air Act

One of the goals of the Act was to set and achieve National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in every state by 1975, to address the public health and welfare risks posed by certain widespread air pollutants. The setting of these pollutant standards was coupled with directing the states to develop state implementation plans (SIPs), applicable to appropriate industrial sources in the state, in order to achieve these standards. The Act was amended in 1977 and 1990 to set new goals and deadlines for achieving NAAQS.

Federal, state, and local government strategies

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal department responsible for regulating air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. The Clean Air Act (CAA) is the federal law that authorises the EPA to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to protect public health and welfare and regulate emissions of hazardous air pollutants. The CAA was first passed in 1967, with amendments made in 1970, 1977, and 1990. The 1970 amendment specifically authorised the EPA to establish the NAAQS.

The EPA works with state, local, and tribal governments to implement the CAA and reduce air pollution. States are responsible for developing enforceable state implementation plans (SIPs) to meet the NAAQS, and local air pollution districts work with the state to produce these plans. The EPA provides guidance, technical assistance, and reviews state plans to ensure compliance with the CAA. In most areas, state or local agencies issue permits for major stationary sources of pollution, but the EPA or tribal governments may also be the permitting authority.

At the state level, agencies like the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) play a crucial role. CARB sets California's own emissions limits, creates policies to fight climate change, and develops actions to reduce the public's exposure to toxic air contaminants. NYSDEC, meanwhile, issues air pollution control permits and registrations, monitors air quality, and oversees contaminated site clean-ups.

Local governments and communities also play an important role in reducing air pollution. Local air districts adopt rules to protect public health and the environment, and community engagement with city councils, transportation agencies, and other advisory bodies helps support healthy development and reduce exposure to air pollution.

California Air Resources Board

In California, the California Air Resources Board (CARB or ARB) is the government department responsible for tackling air pollution. It is a department within the California Environmental Protection Agency, which reports directly to the Governor's Office in the Executive Branch of California State Government.

CARB was established in 1967 when then-governor Ronald Reagan signed the Mulford-Carrell Act, combining the Bureau of Air Sanitation and the Motor Vehicle Pollution Control Board. The board's stated goals include attaining and maintaining healthy air quality, protecting the public from exposure to toxic air contaminants, and providing innovative approaches for complying with air pollution rules and regulations.

CARB sets California Ambient Air Quality Standards to protect the public from the harmful effects of air pollution. It also sets the state's emissions limits, which may be stricter than federal limits, creates policies to fight climate change, and develops actions to reduce the public's exposure to toxic air contaminants from a variety of sources. For example, CARB's Commercial Harbor Craft regulation aims to reduce emissions from commercial vessels, particularly diesel-powered vessels like ferries and tugboats.

Additionally, CARB has been influential in driving innovation in the global automotive industry through programs such as its Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. CARB is responsible for defining vehicle emissions standards, and California is the only state permitted to issue emissions standards under the federal Clean Air Act. The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Incentive Program, also known as Fueling Alternatives, is funded by CARB and administered by the California Center for Sustainable Energy.

CARB also works with local air districts, which are responsible for regional air quality planning and adopting rules to protect public health and the environment. CARB maintains an extensive public outreach program to support understanding and compliance with its air quality regulatory programs.

The Environmental Protection Agency

The EPA plays a crucial role in addressing air pollution through the implementation of the Clean Air Act (CAA). This comprehensive federal law authorizes the EPA to establish National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) to protect public health and welfare and regulate hazardous air pollutant emissions. The CAA also requires the EPA to issue guidance on state planning and necessary controls, ensuring compliance with the Act. Additionally, the EPA works closely with tribal governments and environmental professionals to enhance their capacity to develop and manage air quality programs.

One of the key responsibilities of the EPA is to establish health-based national air quality standards to protect individuals from harmful air pollutants. The agency also provides guidance and technical assistance to states, helping them develop enforceable state implementation plans to meet these standards. The EPA issues national emissions standards for new stationary sources, such as power plants, and reviews state plans to ensure compliance.

Furthermore, the EPA has been involved in initiatives to restore and protect vital ecosystems, such as the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. The agency collaborates with states, tribes, and stakeholders to address nutrient pollution and support natural resource damage assessments. Additionally, the EPA has a role in radiation protection, including operating RadNet, a national environmental radiation monitoring system. The agency also oversees the Department of Energy's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and evaluates compliance with radioactive waste disposal standards.

The EPA's regional offices and laboratories are spread across the country, with ten regions and 27 laboratories. The agency conducts environmental assessments, research, and education, working with industries and governments in pollution prevention programs and energy conservation efforts. The EPA's workforce consists of engineers, scientists, environmental protection specialists, legal professionals, and experts from various other fields.

Local air districts

In the United States, air pollution control and monitoring are the responsibilities of various government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the national level and local air districts at the regional and local levels.

Frequently asked questions