Clean Air Act

The Clean Air Act is one of the nation’s most important health protection laws. The Council’s Clean Air Act Program goal is to ensure that the Act is fully implemented and enforced in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The Council acts as a regional environmental voice on Clean Air Act issues. Finally, the Council acts as a bridge between national environmental organizations and regional groups on clean air issues that impact the region. 

Clean Air Council works towards these goals through government oversight, community organizing and lawsuits. When the Council believes state and federal governments are not fully implementing Clean Air Act requirements it will take appropriate action.  In addition, the Council participates in the government rule-making process, shares its testimony with other interested organizations, and facilitates public involvement in the process. Taking part in the administrative process is essential for preserving the right to engage in further enforcement actions. Public participation is also one of the most important and effective methods for citizens to advocate for positive environmental change.

On April 18, 2012, the Clean Air Council submitted comments to the Pennsylvania Department of Protection regarding Control Measures under Consideration by the Ozone Transport Commission.
Clean Air Council is dedicated to protecting everyone’s right to breathe clean air, especially that of children. Children’s lungs are more susceptible to the constant threat of air pollution -- from smog-causing asthma attacks to toxic mercury harming children’s neurological development, there are serious health risks that parents should know about.
 
In 2012, Clean Air Council has teamed up with local parents who are fed up with the notion in Congress that we must pit jobs against public health.

Yesterday, the Clean Air Council joined Earthjustice and the Sierra Club in commenting on a proposed plan approval (construction permit) for a new pollution control system at GenOn Northeast's Conemaugh Power Plant in Indiana County, Pennsylvania.  The pollution control system, if used continuously, would result in major reductions in emissions of NOx, which contributes to the formation of ozone and particulate matter pollution.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2012

Remarks by Jay Duffy Regarding the Planned Intervention of Clean Air Council and Sierra Club in the Portland Power Plant Suit (As Prepared)
 
Outside EPA Region 3 Regional Office
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Good afternoon, name is Jay Duffy and I am a staff attorney at the Clean Air Council here in Philadelphia. I would like to take a moment today to go over the steps New Jersey, the EPA and citizens have taken to try to stop the Portland Plant from emitting pollution in violation of the Clean Air Act and why this battle is now headed needlessly to court.

On January 19, 2012, the Clean Air Council submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding EPA Responses to State and Tribal Ozone Designation Recommendations. Ozone is formed through the mixture of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxide in the presence of sunlight and can cause damage to the lungs and other health related issues.

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