Preface
On this page, we will be discussing environmental policy across the world and be giving nonpartisan insights on the implications of these policies. Please note that while we will be discussing global policies, our focus will remain mostly on the American perspectives as our organization is based in California.
We will be going over actual legislature passed by the U.S. Congress but also compromises, accords, and agreements.
We will be going over actual legislature passed by the U.S. Congress but also compromises, accords, and agreements.
Clean Air Act 1956
Following London's Great Smog of 1952, the British Parliament of the United Kingdom passed the Clean Air Act of 1956. This was supported by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in England and the Department of Health for Scotland. This act introduced new policies in order to reduce air pollution, specifically smog. London since the Industrial Revolution in the early 1800s had long faced long-term damages in air due to factory operations and by the mid-1900s, it had gotten out of hand.
One of the measurements to reduce air pollution was the mandated movement in using smokeless fuels in areas of high population concentrations. This was enforced in order to reduce the amount of smoke pollution and sulphur dioxide that would be emitted through household fires. In addition, the Act included measurements that reduced the emissions of gases, grit, and dust from the chimneys and smokestacks of individual homes and businesses.
Later on, the Act would be modified by enhancements through the Clean Air Act of 1968 and would be repealed/replaced by the Clean Air Act of 1993.
One of the measurements to reduce air pollution was the mandated movement in using smokeless fuels in areas of high population concentrations. This was enforced in order to reduce the amount of smoke pollution and sulphur dioxide that would be emitted through household fires. In addition, the Act included measurements that reduced the emissions of gases, grit, and dust from the chimneys and smokestacks of individual homes and businesses.
Later on, the Act would be modified by enhancements through the Clean Air Act of 1968 and would be repealed/replaced by the Clean Air Act of 1993.
Air Pollution Control Act of 1955
Being the first U.S. federal law to respond to the ongoing threat of the national environmental problem of air pollution, the act was to provide "research and technical assistance relating to air pollution control." Similar to the situation in the United Kingdom, the United States had long experienced air pollution issues since the Industrial Revolution in the early-1800s. However, only in the post-WWII reconstruction era did efforts truly begin to establish control over gas emissions.
Declaring air pollution to be a clear danger to public health and welfare, it attacked sources of air pollutions. However, it made sure to ensure that business activities were in fact necessary to function the economy. Additionally, while the act was passed on the federal level, it gave the actual responsibilities of enforcing regulations to state and local government.
Ultimately, the Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 was mostly a research-based act that was meant to support, not actually enforce, the fight against air pollution in the United States.
Declaring air pollution to be a clear danger to public health and welfare, it attacked sources of air pollutions. However, it made sure to ensure that business activities were in fact necessary to function the economy. Additionally, while the act was passed on the federal level, it gave the actual responsibilities of enforcing regulations to state and local government.
Ultimately, the Air Pollution Control Act of 1955 was mostly a research-based act that was meant to support, not actually enforce, the fight against air pollution in the United States.
Clean Air Act 1963
The Clean Air Act is not actually one act but a reference to multiple acts that Congress passed. Major parts of these acts include the original 1963 act and an additional amendment in the 1970s. Entities established includes the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, New Source Performance Standards, Acid Rain Program, and multiple Mobile Source programs.