Why the Clean Air Act needs adjustment

The successful Clean Air Act of the 1970s needs to be adjusted to fit air-quality problems that remain or are now better understood. The changes should reflect that some provisions are ineffective, too burdensome, or too costly to continue. Major air-quality improvements were made in carbon monoxide concentrations, sulfur dioxide levels, industrial particulate emissions, lead emissions, ozone levels, and nitrogen dioxides as states have adopted and the federal government imposed controls. Areas for modifications are outlined that will make the Clean Air Act more efficient and more effective by correcting present weaknesses. (DCK)