Overview of the Clean Air Act and Air Pollution

50th Anniversary of the Clean Air Act

In 2020 not only did the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency turn 50 years old, it also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Clean Air Act Amendments, a landmark piece of legislation that has led to significant environmental and public health benefits across the United States. Learn more about EPA at 50.
The Clean Air Act

Celebrating the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
National Progress Toward Clean Air

For more than forty years, the Clean Air Act has cut pollution as the U.S. economy has grown.

How the Act Works:

The Act calls for states and EPA to solve multiple air pollution problems through programs based on the latest science and technology information.

Requirements and History

Congress designed the Clean Air Act to combat a variety of air pollution problems, and to tackle emerging pollution threats. Learn more about CAA requirements and history

Role of Science and Technology

Under the Clean Air Act, health-based air quality standards are based on the latest science. Emissions standards for sources are based on information about available technologies. Learn more about solving problems with science and technology

Role of State, Local, Tribal and Federal Governments

The Clean Air Act calls for state, local, tribal and federal governments to work in partnership to clean the air. Learn more about the partnership among governments

Public Participation

Stakeholders and the public play critical roles in developing standards and implementation of the Clean Air Act. Learn more about developing programs through dialogue

Flexibility and Accountability

Under the Act, EPA seeks to provide industry with flexibility on ways to control emissions while maintaining accountability for achieving reductions. Learn more about building flexibility and accountability into CAA programs

Clean Air and the Economy

Over forty years of experience with the Clean Air Act shows that clean air and a healthy economy can go hand in hand. Learn more about clean air the economy

Progress Cleaning the Air:

Actions to implement the Clean Air Act have achieved dramatic reductions in air pollution, preventing hundreds of thousands of cases of serious health effects each year.