In 1970, came The Clean Air Act Extension, authorizing the establishment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards', the (NAAQS) made it possible for states to be held to a certain quality of air standard. Also the authorization of new source performance standards for new and modified stationary sources, increased enforcement authority, and authorized requirements for control of motor vehicle emissions. .
In 1977, there were a couple of amendments added to the clean air act. These amendments are authorized provisions related to the prevention of significant deterioration, and authorized provisions relating to areas which are non-attainment, with respect to the National ambient air quality standards. .
In 1990, more amendments were installed to the clean air act. These amendments are programs for acid depletion control, programs that control 189 toxic pollutants including those previously regulated by the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, established permit programs required to use automobile in the environment, expanded and modified provisions concerning the attainment of (NAAQS), expanded and modified enforcement authority, and established a program to phase out the use of chemicals that deplete the ozone layer. Without the clean air act these other polices and amendments would have not been possible to exist to help our society grow in a healthier environment. .
The clean air act policy serves many purposes that are positive for our environment. The clean air act is a United States federal law. We need the clean air act because we need to do something about the effects pollution has on our environment. If we do not act to save our planet, the human race soon will be also known as an endangered species. The clean air act prevents people and large industrial companies from abusing the atmosphere with the pollutants they release. These pollutants cause serious health effects to the human race by contaminating our air and food supply.