[Views on EPA Implementation of Clean Air Act]

GAO was asked to comment on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) statement that it intends to be appropriately flexible in reviewing State Implementation Plan revisions of the Clean Air Act. GAO concluded that current EPA enforcement policies appear to be at odds with its published policies and, in some instances, with the act itself. GAO stated that it is important for Congress to: (1) clarify its expectations of EPA and the states' roles for implementation of the act; (2) reaffirm necessary requirements; (3) modify unproductive or overly burdensome requirements; and (4) restate the deadlines and penalties for noncompliance.