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Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990

Another set of major amendments to the Clean Air Act occurred in 1990 (1990 CAAA). The 1990 CAAA substantially increased the authority and responsibility of the federal government. New regulatory programs were authorized for control of acid deposition (acid rain) and for the issuance of stationary source operating permits. The NESHAPs were incorporated into a greatly expanded program for controlling toxic air pollutants. The provisions for attainment and maintenance of NAAQS were substantially modified and expanded. Other revisions included provisions regarding stratospheric ozone protection, increased enforcement authority, and expanded research programs.

History

Some principal milestones in the evolution of the Clean Air Act are:

The Air Pollution Control Act of 1955

First federal air pollution legislation Funded research for scope and sources of air pollution Clean Air Act of 1963 Authorized the development of a national program to address air pollution related environmental problems Authorized research into techniques to minimize air pollution

Air Quality Act of 1967

Authorized enforcement procedures for air pollution problems involving interstate transport of pollutants Authorized expanded research activities

Clean Air Act 1970

Authorized the establishment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards Established requirements for State Implementation Plans to achieve the National Ambient Air Quality Standards Authorized the establishment of New Source Performance Standards for new and modified stationary sources Authorized the establishment of National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants Increased enforcement authority Authorized requirements for control of motor vehicle emissions

1977 Amendments to the Clean Air Act of 1970

Authorized provisions related to the Prevention of Significant Deterioration Authorized provisions relating to areas which are non-attainment with respect to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards

1990 Amendments to the Clean Air Act of 1970

Authorized programs for Acid Deposition Control Authorized a program to control 189 toxic pollutants, including those previously regulated by the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants Established permit program requirements Expanded and modified provisions concerning the attainment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards Expanded and modified enforcement authority