4 - State Implementation Planning for Clean Air

Abstract

This chapter reviews the structural responses, funding, regulatory strategies, and collaborative measures in state responses since the 1970 Clean Air Act amendments. It incorporates survey responses from state environmental officials as part of a study conducted by the Environmental Research Institute at the University of California, Riverside, and supported by a grant from the Andrew J. Mellon Foundation. As enacted, the 1970 Clean Air Act amendments required states to submit implementation plans to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval. States could attain these levels by regulating emission sources or indirectly through transportation planning and other means. Under the Clean Air Act, states are required to monitor air quality, regulate motor vehicle emissions, and ensure that stationary pollution sources do not significantly degrade air quality. State program administrators coordinate their activities with EPA, multistate coalitions, industries, substate districts, and local governments. They initiate and participate in technical advisory committees, partnership programs, and negotiated policy development. Managers also interact directly with industries, businesses emitting toxic pollutants, and with motor vehicle owners. Title V administration and finance create additional challenges.