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Basic Information :
Under the Clean Air Act, EPA establishes air quality standards to protect public health, including the health of "sensitive" populations such as people with asthma, children, and older adults. EPA also sets limits to protect public welfare. This includes protecting ecosystems, including plants and animals, from harm, as well as protecting against decreased visibility and damage to crops, vegetation, and buildings. To get more information regarding the national standards for these pollutants, visit http://www.epa.gov/air/criteria.html
- How Does EPA Evaluate Air Quality?
- Who Is Responsible
for Meeting Air Quality
Standards? - Air Quality Maps and Monitoring Data
- Emissions Information
- Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act
How Does EPA Evaluate Air Quality?
U.S. EPA uses six "criteria pollutants" as indicators of air quality: ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and lead. For each of these, US EPA has established "primary" standards to protect public health, and "secondary" standards to protect other aspects of public welfare, such as preventing materials damage, preventing crop and vegetation damage, or assuring visibility. These standards are called the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Areas of the country where air pollution levels persistently exceed these standards may be designated "nonattainment."
Who Is Responsible for Meeting Air Quality Standards?
The Clean Air Act places most the responsibility on states to prevent and control air pollution. In order for a state to operate an air quality program, the state must adopt a plan and obtain approval of the plan from the EPA. Federal approval provides for some consistency in different state programs and ensures that a state program complies with the requirements of the Clean Air Act and EPA rules. The vehicle for demonstrating compliance with the Act and EPA rules is the State Implementation Plans (SIPs). A SIPs adopted by the state government and approved by the EPA is legally binding under both state and federal law and may be enforced by either government.
Air Quality Maps and Monitoring Data
AIRData gives you access to air pollution data for the entire United States. Want to know the highest ozone level measured in your state last year? Ever wonder where air pollution monitoring sites are located? Are there sources of air pollution in your town? You can find out here! AIRData produces reports and maps of air pollution data based on criteria that you specify.
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Emissions Information