![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090511010737im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Air pollution can directly impact people's health and air quality is continually improving in the U.S. By virtually any measure, the air we breathe is cleaner today than just a few short decades ago. This is thanks in large part to the federal Clean Air Act, which was passed about 30 years ago and has subsequently been strengthened and improved. Emissions of many harmful pollutants have been cut in half since the law was passed.
Cars, trucks, buses, equipment, factories, power plants, and businesses all contribute to air pollution. The Clean Air Act allows EPA, working with its state and local partners, to place limits on pollution from these and other sources of pollution.
- Current Air Quality - EPA works with state and local agencies to monitor the current quality of the air and forecast the future air trends. All monitoring data is made available to the public.
- Planning for Clean Air - EPA identifies areas with poor air quality and requires states to develop plans to clean up those areas.
- Air Quality Regulations - EPA develops national regulations which must be met by industries in order to ensure clean air for the general public. In addition states have the authority to develop their own as long as the regulations are at least as stringent as federal regulations.
- Motor Vehicles and Diesel-Powered Equipment - Motor vehicles and other equipment are a significant source of air pollution. EPA regulates emission control systems on vehicles and advocates for innovative voluntary emission reduction programs.
