Air Pollution: Progress and Problems in Implementing Selected Aspects of Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990

GAO discussed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts to implement the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, focusing on: (1) its continued difficulties in reviewing and approving state implementation plans (SIP); and (2) key provisions of the act designed to control pollution from mobile and stationary sources. GAO noted that: (1) delays continue in states' submissions of SIP and EPA review and approval of SIP; (2) EPA has initiated a number of actions to improve its oversight of the SIP process; (3) EPA has established a new operating permit program to supplement the SIP process; (4) more stringent vehicle emissions testing may not achieve the emissions reductions envisioned because of uncertainties concerning the diagnosis and repair of failed vehicles; (5) some motorists may try to avoid some repair costs and inconveniences of the new regulations and increase pollution hazards; (6) EPA is exploring several initiatives that could significantly improve air quality and reduce emissions by 47 billion pounds annually; and (7) the EPA operating permit program is underfunded and will likely affect EPA ability to ensure timely improvements in air quality from stationary sources.