How does environmental law protect air quality?

Environmental law helps protect air quality in California by setting regulations and standards to limit harmful emissions from industries. The Clean Air Act of 1970, a federal law, is the main law that regulates air quality in the U.S. This law sets standards for the amount of pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter that can be released into the air. For example, the law sets limits on the amount of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide that power plants can release into the air. California also has its own set of laws regulating air quality, known as the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This body sets limits on emissions from industrial sources, like vehicle exhaust, agricultural burning, and oil refineries. The CARB also works to reduce emissions from new cars, light trucks, and SUVs. Additionally, California has created low-emission vehicle standards, which require cars and light trucks to meet certain standards in order to be sold in the state. Overall, environmental law in California has been effective in protecting air quality. According to the California Air Resources Board, since 1990, the state has reduced levels of unhealthy air pollutants by 40%. This has had a significant impact on public health, as air pollution causes asthma, lung cancer, and other respiratory illnesses. These laws have also helped California meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, as the state has been able to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

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How does environmental law protect air quality?

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