EPA's Clean Air Act passes the 40 year mark.
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Press Release Summary:
As part of activities commemorating U.S. EPA's 40th anniversary, agency is highlighting progress made under 40 years of the Clean Air Act at conference in Washington, D.C. From 1990 through 2008, emissions of 6 common pollutants are down 41%, while gross domestic product has grown 64%. Lead levels in the air are 92% lower than in 1980, and according to preliminary EPA analysis, in 2010, CAA fine particles and ozone programs will prevent more than 160,000 premature deaths.
Original Press Release:
EPA's Clean Air Act Turns 40
Agency achieved significant health and environmental benefits
WASHINGTON - As part of the activities commemorating the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 40th anniversary, the agency is highlighting progress made under the 40 years of the Clean Air Act (CAA) at a conference in Washington, D.C. Among the attendees are those who have helped to shape the CAA over the years, including members of Congress, state and local government officials, and leaders in public health, business and technology, environmental justice, and advocacy.
"For 40 years the Clean Air Act has protected our health and our environment, saving lives and sparking new innovations to make our economy cleaner and stronger. The common sense application of the act has made it one of the most cost-effective things the American people have done for themselves in the last half century," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Since 1970 we have seen a steady trajectory of less pollution in our communities and greater economic opportunity throughout our nation. We will continue those trends as we face the clean air challenges of the next 40 years, including working to cut greenhouse gases and grow the American clean energy economy. The Clean Air Act proves the naysayers wrong - we can protect our health and environment at the same time we grow our economy."
Significant health benefits, especially for children
According to an EPA analysis, the first 20 years of Clean Air Act programs, from 1970 to 1990, prevented:
Improved air quality and public health
In 1990, the act was revised with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Cleaner cars, trucks and transportation
New cars, light trucks, and heavy-duty diesel engines are up to 95 percent cleaner than past models thanks to technology such as the catalytic converter.
Combating acid rain, cleaner power plants, significant economic and health benefits
The acid rain program has reduced damage to water quality in lakes and streams, and improved the health of ecosystems and forests. Acid deposition has decreased by more than 30 percent in much of the Midwest and Northeast since 1990 under a cap-and-trade program for power plants.
Reducing industrial toxic air pollution
Since 1990, toxic emissions have been reduced from industry by 1.7 million tons a year -- many times the reductions achieved in the first 20 years of the CAA.
Reducing skin cancer by protecting the ozone layer
The Clean Air Act amendments of 1990 require that EPA develop and implement regulations for the responsible management of ozone-depleting substances in the United States to help restore the ozone layer.
The event is being webcast live: www.epa.gov/live/
More information on the Clean Air Act: epa.gov/oar/caa/40th.html