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EPA's Sanctions Policy Is Not Consistent With the Clean Air Act

RCED-85-121 Published: Sep 30, 1985. Publicly Released: Nov 22, 1985.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed: (1) the legality and appropriateness of the sanctions policy adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for communities that fail to meet air quality standards imposed by the Clean Air Act; and (2) the effects of a long-standing construction ban in communities that failed to meet air quality standards before the deadline the act imposed.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Environmental Protection Agency The Administrator, EPA, should either: (1) develop and implement a policy to provide sanctions for areas not attaining air quality standards by the deadlines specified in the Clean Air Act; or (2) seek relief through proposed legislation from the applicable Clean Air Act provisions, which GAO believes require the imposition of such sanctions.
Closed – Not Implemented
EPA disagreed with the legal basis for this recommendation. Congress will act on sanctions when it amends the Clean Air Act. EPA is developing a strategy which will address this issue. Congress is studying amendments to the Clean Air Act, which will include revising attainment dates and specifying more clearly under what conditions sanctions will apply if an area misses an attainment date.

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Topics

Air pollution controlEnvironmental lawEnvironmental monitoringFederal aid to localitiesProgram managementRegulatory agenciesReporting requirementsAir qualitySanctionsCommunities