What does the Clean Air Act aim to address?

The Clean Air Act aims to address air quality standards by establishing regulations to control air pollution from both stationary and mobile sources. Initially passed in 1963 and significantly amended in subsequent years, the Act empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set and enforce air quality standards that protect public health and the environment. It focuses on various pollutants, such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, aiming to minimize their harmful effects on human health and the ecosystem. This focus on air standards is essential for ensuring that air quality is maintained at levels safe for the public, making it clear that the Act does not directly pertain to water pollution, soil erosion, or waste management, which are addressed by different environmental laws and regulations.