UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
OFFICE OF
AIR AND RADIATION
FACT SHEETS ON CLEAN AIR ACT
AMENDMENTS OF 1990
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BENEFITS
Protects Human Health
Cuts urban smog and other air pollutants, allowing 130 million
people in 100 major cities to breathe healthier air. As a result, air-
pollution-related deaths, chronic lung disease, asthma, cough, and
eye irritation will be reduced
Cuts dangerous air toxic emissions by up to 95%, reducing cancer
fatalities and diseases of the lung, liver, kidney, thyroid, nervous
system, blood and heart in the populations living near large
industrial facilities
Protects the Environment
* Cuts acid rain emissions in half, reducing acidity in U.S. and
Canadian lakes and rivers, reducing nitrogen loading of coastal
waters like the Chesapeake Bay, and improving forest growth and
agricultural yields
* Lowers air toxic deposition to the Great Lakes and Coasts
* Improves visibility and removes haze
* Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
* Phases out harmful ozone-depleting CFCs
Improves National Energy Security
* Cuts oil imports significantly by:
Creating incentives for new alternative automotive fuels
Reducing reliance on oil for electricity generation
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KEY MILESTONES FOR IMPLEMENTATION
Title I - Nonattainment
* States bring their existing control requirements into line with Federal
standards within six months
* Designation and classification of areas completed within 480 days
* EPA guidances for State Implementation Plans (SIPs) issued within one year
* Complete SIPS submitted by States within three years
* First group of guidance documents for retrofit controls on existing sources
issued within two years
Title II - Mobile Sources
* Within one year new inspection and maintenance programs established in
over 50 cities
* Within two years, enhanced inspection and maintenance programs established
in over 70 cities
* New tailpipe regulations issued within six months; standards begin phasing
in with the 1994 model year
* Reformulated gasoline regulations issued within one year
Title III - Air Toxics
* MACT regulations for over 41 source categories issued within two years
Title IV - Acid Rain
* Allowances for first phase of control program issued within 12 months;
second phase six months later
* Allowance trading regulations issued within 18 months
* Continuous Emissions Monitoring regulations issued within 18 months
Title V . Permits
* Permit regulations issued within one year
Title VI - Stratospheric Ozone Protection
* CFC phase-out regulation issued within ten months
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PROTOTYPE FOR FUTURE ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION
Market-based regulations assure maximum cost-effectiveness
* Performance-based standards let industry decide how to achieve
* Requirements for steady progress provide flexibility and near-
term environmental benefits
* Enhanced enforcement assures goals will be achieved
* New Federal/State partnership matches States' planning and
permitting responsibilities with the necessary resources
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MARKET-BASED REGULATIONS ASSURE CQST-EFFECTIVENESS
* Acid rain allowance trading fosters least-cost reductions
* Clean-fuel credit trading and emissions trading allow refiners and
automakers to meet requirements at least cost
Fees or auctions for smog-causing emissions promote efficiency and
cost-effective pollution prevention
* Incentives for early reductions will accelerate environmental
benefits
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REGULATION
* We recognize that we are in a joint venture with State and Local
governments, and acknowledge their essential role
We will use negotiation techniques to resolve critical issues with
other interested parties, including government, industry,
environmental groups, and academics
We will work closely with other EPA offices and other Federal
agencies to ensure coordination
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
IMPLEMENTATION PRINCIPLES
FOR THE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1990
PROMISE OF THE CLEAN AIR ACT
o "Every American expects and deserves to breathe clean air..."
President Bush
o These principles will guide us as we turn the promise of the Act into a
legacy of clean air.
POLICY
o E_3: Achieve and maintain a healthy environment, while supporting strong
and sustainable economic growth and sound energy policy.
o Market-based; Use market-based approaches and other innovative
strategies to creatively solve environmental problems.
BUILD CONSENSUS
o Joint Venture; Recognize the essential role played by state and local
governments.
o Negotiate; Use negotiation techniques to resolve critical issues with other
interested parties, including other government organizations, industry,
environmental groups, and academics.
o Federal Coordination; Work closely with other EPA offices, other Federal
agencies, and Congress to ensure a coordinated approach that will achieve
environmental objectives in the most efficient manner possible.
MANAGEMENT
o rw>ai»inpjc; Establish and meet commitments to effectively implement key
provisions of the Act.
o Team Effort: Work together; attract and retain a diverse and talented
workforce.
Pmted on Recydod Paper
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