NGA Position
Governors strongly support the goals and implementation of the Clean Air Act, as well as additional efforts to improve air quality and protect public health. Governors affirm that states must have the primary responsibility and authority for the control and abatement of air pollution, as required under section 101(a)(3) of the Clean Air Act. Importantly, states must not be precluded from setting standards that are more stringent than federal minimum standards or from acting in the absence of federal standards. Because some states are prohibited by their constitutions from setting more stringent standards, the federal government should ensure that federally established air quality standards adequately protect public health using the best available science to set federal standards and update them on a timely basis. As partners in a national effort to ensure cleaner air for all Americans, governors will continue to look to EPA and Congress for their financial assistance and leadership, as envisioned under section 101(a)(4) of the CAA. Governors agree that any new federal legislation must preserve current state authorities and protections under the Clean Air Act. With the enactment of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) and the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), Congress took steps to advance two essential national goals: achieving air quality standards and providing for the transportation needs of the American people. Governors strongly support the attainment of both of these goals and believe that neither should be sacrificed in pursuit of the other. Official NGA Policy Committee Letters |
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