Clean air is something many people take for granted, but here in Georgia, there are places where air quality is a significant concern. According to a recent report by the American Lung Association, six counties in the state of Georgia have unacceptably high ozone levels. Ozone, of course, is dangerous for humans, and it is critical to keep ozone levels under control.
Metro Atlanta faces particular challenges with air quality, not surprisingly. Air pollution in Atlanta comes from a variety of sources, but especially from vehicle emissions. The problem is made worse by an increasing population and no large transit system to accommodate drivers. Needless to say, everybody needs to do their part to help address the problem. This is particularly true for those who have duties to fulfill under clean air laws.
The Clean Air Act, for instance, imposes various requirements on facilities, activities and entities that contribute to the degrading of air quality. One important area the law deals with is motor vehicle emissions. Under the Clean Air Act Mobile Sources Program, specific emissions standards are set for all motor vehicle and non-road vehicles and equipment, as well as for fuel. Vehicle and engine manufacturers and emission laboratories are bound to comply with these standards, as are businesses which deal vehicles and mobile engines and suppliers and installers of motor vehicle and engine parts.
Sorting out the best way to approach Clean Air Act compliance is not always easy for businesses, and it is critical to have a clear understanding of the law and appropriate means to fulfill legal obligations under the law. An experienced environmental law attorney, of course, can be a critical resource in the effort to comply with the Clean Air Act and other environmental law.