The Clean Air Act, Explained

Have you seen the images of urban smog from the 1960s? Although there is still progress to be made, U.S. air quality has dramatically improved over the past 50 years. We have the Clean Air Act to thank. Passed in 1970, the Act gave the newly formed EPA the legal authority to regulate air pollution. In this episode, ELI Staff Attorney Jarryd Page breaks down how the Clean Air Act works and why it matters today.

Relevant Resources:
Chevron Deference in the Dock: SCOTUS and the Future of Environmental Protection
Community Lawyering for Environmental Justice Part 9: Air Permitting

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Creators & Guests

SB

Host

Sarah Backer

Sarah Backer joined ELI as a Research Associate in September 2022. Her current work includes assisting with the Municipal Climate and Waste Reduction Project and supporting the CWA 303(d) Training Workshops. She is also the new host of the ELI People, Places, Planet Podcast. Prior to joining ELI, Sarah interned for the EPA’s Green Power Partnerships, where she researched the program’s contributions to energy equity and developed educational content for stakeholders. Sarah is a recent graduate from Wesleyan University with a BA in Government, specializing in environmental global policy and a minor in the College of East Asian Studies and Mandarin. Her senior thesis analyzed public opinion on democracy and capitalism promotion in the United States since 2016, to evaluate the public’s shifting attitudes about America’s international role. Before college, she grew up in New York City, where she attended a K-12 French immersion school and specialized in French literature and philosophy.

CG

Editor

Colin Gipson-Tansil

Colin Gipson-Tansil joined ELI in January of 2014 by way of the Great Lakes State. Colin serves as ELI’s Senior Digital Media Producer where he oversees digital media needs at seminars, webinars, and events, manages social media sites, assists with support of ELI’s various websites, and produces videos as well as podcasts. Colin earned his M.A. in Producing for Film, TV and Video from American University. Prior to his Master's degree, received his B.A. in Media Arts and Technology with a concentration in Film, Radio and TV from Michigan State University.

What is People Places Planet?

Welcome to People Places Planet, ELI's leading environmental podcast. We talk to leading experts across sectors who share their solutions to the world's most pressing environmental problems. Tune in for the latest environmental law, policy, and governance developments.