Annual report of the Air Quality Committee

Legislative and judicial activities pertaining to the 1977 Clean Air Act amendments are summarized, with attention to the significant economic and environmental impacts of complex environmental regulations. The removal of trade-off limitations may bring only minimal relief to industries covered by non-attainment policy. Requirements designed to prevent significant air deterioration, assuming that present air quality will be maintained or improved, will have implications for the construction of new facilities. Litigation is expected to continue as long as construction permits are constrained by significant deterioration limits. Court cases were also concerned with hazardous emissions and enforcement mechanisms, particularly those involving automobile emissions.