Clean Air and Economic Advancement Reform Act; CLEAR Act
Summary
The Clean Air and Economic Advancement Reform Act (CLEAR Act) aims to amend the Clean Air Act to provide states with more flexibility in implementing national ambient air quality standards. It extends the timeline for reviewing these standards from five to ten years and allows consideration of economic feasibility in meeting ozone nonattainment goals. The bill also addresses emissions beyond state control, such as those from wildfires or external sources, and modifies the composition of the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee.
Expected Effects
The CLEAR Act is likely to result in a relaxation of air quality regulations and potentially slower progress in reducing air pollution. States may have more time to comply with standards, and economic factors could influence the stringency of those standards. The changes regarding exceptional events and emissions beyond control could reduce penalties for non-attainment in certain areas.
Potential Benefits
- Provides states with more flexibility in implementing air quality standards.
- Considers economic feasibility in addition to technological achievability.
- Addresses emissions beyond state control, potentially reducing unfair penalties.
- Allows for actions to mitigate wildfire risk to be considered in air quality assessments.
- Increases state representation on the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May slow down progress in improving air quality due to extended review timelines.
- Economic considerations could lead to weaker air quality standards.
- Relaxation of regulations in extreme ozone nonattainment areas could negatively impact public health.
- Potential for increased air pollution in some areas due to exemptions for emissions beyond control.
- Shifting focus from strict environmental standards to economic considerations may undermine the original intent of the Clean Air Act.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The CLEAR Act aligns with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce, as environmental regulations can impact economic activity across state lines (Article I, Section 8). However, some may argue that relaxing environmental standards could conflict with the government's responsibility to promote the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. The balance between environmental protection and economic considerations is a matter of policy that falls within the purview of Congress.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).