The protection of public health is one of the hallmarks of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Established in 1970 and amended in 1977 and 1990 by Congress, the CAA provides the framework for all existing state and federal air pollution programs. The authority to establish air pollution standards, issue permits, enforce permit conditions, etc. was granted to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) via the Clean Air Act. Since its establishment, the CAA has been amended to broaden the USEPA's authority to include additional permitting programs, visibility protection, establishment of a board to advise the USEPA on scientific issues, establishment of fuel and motor standards for vehicles, acid rain reduction programs, protection of stratospheric ozone, and the regulation of air toxics.
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