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1970
Federal Clean Air Act
In 1970, President Nixon signed the Clean Air Act, significantly expanding the federal government’s role in combating air pollution.
On Earth Day in 1970, Congress passed the Clean Air Act (CAA), resulting in a significant increase in the federal government’s role in air pollution control. This legislation authorized four major regulatory programs:
- The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
- State Implementation Plans (SIPs)
- New Source Performance Standards (NSPS)
- National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs).
Later that year, on December 2, 1970, President Nixon signed an executive order creating the EPA to enforce the CAA and other environmental protection laws.
Current Events
Explore how the past impacts current events today
Transportation
The transportation sector accounts for nearly 29% of American greenhouse gas emissions. Because of this, it has become a central part of the climate change debate, with environmental advocates pushing for greener alternatives.
Environmental Regulations
While many on the Left argue that federal regulations are a vital tool in combatting climate change, those on the Right argue the federal government has no authority to impose these sweeping mandates.
West Virginia v. EPA
West Virginia v. EPA is a group of consolidated cases before the Supreme Court for the 2021-2022 term seeking to limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulatory powers. The plaintiffs argue that a federal court wrongly overturned a Trump Administration EPA rule that repealed and replaced an Obama-era environmental policy. This case could be a landmark ruling for environmental law and Congress’ authority to delegate powers to executive agencies.