Healthy Air Policy Resources

The Clean Air Act has provided the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the responsibility and the authority to protect and clean up the nation's air since 1970. We advocate for the full implementation and enforcement of this lifesaving law. 

• Clean Air Act overview
• Timeline of clean air policy milestones

• Factsheet: The Clean Air Act [Factsheet]
• Factsheet: National Ambient Air Quality Standards [PDF]

Unfortunately, polluting industries are pushing for Congress to weaken the Clean Air Act as a trade-off for addressing climate change. This is unacceptable.

• Congress Must Oppose Clean Air Act Tradeoffs in Climate Legislation [Factsheet]
• Resource for Health Organizations - Protect EPA's Clean Air Act Authority in Climate Legislation

Zero-emission vehicles, coupled with policies that allow for more walking, biking and public transportation, can cut air pollution and fight climate change.

• Poll: Seventy Percent of Voters Support Federal Action to Drive the Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles
• Poll: Two-Thirds of Voters Nationwide Support Investments in Zero-Emission School Buses
• "Road to Clean Air" report on the health benefits of a nationwide transition to electric vehicles

We work to not only ensure the nation takes urgent action to address climate change, but also to make sure that those policies protect health and end environmental racism.

• Health organizations’ declaration on climate change and health
• Policy Brief: Climate and Health Policy [Factsheet]

Strong limits on mercury from power plants reduce this potent neurotoxin and other dangerous pollutants at the same time. 

• Protect Limits on Mercury and Air Toxics [Factsheet]

Methane is a potent climate pollutant. It’s also emitted alongside other dangerous pollutants from oil and gas drilling operations. We call for policies to limit it.

• Policy Brief: Methane [Factsheet]
• The Truth About Methane [Factsheet]

These national limits on ozone, particle pollution and other dangerous pollutants must reflect what the science shows is necessary to keep people healthy. We call on EPA to update and strengthen them.

• Ozone Pollution [Factsheet]
• Particle Pollution [Factsheet]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must use sound science and analysis to set clean air safeguards.

• EPA Cost-Benefit Analysis: Tell EPA to fully consider health benefits [Factsheet]
• EPA's "Censoring Science" Rule Would Permanently Pollute Our Air and Harm Americans' Health
• Policy Brief: Science Saves Lives [Factsheet]
• Policy Brief: Why Federal Rules Matter for Lung Health [Factsheet]