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Clean Air Act

Air pollution in Tehran on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012.

New WHO air pollution standards could save millions of lives each year

Health & Medicine

The World Health Organization is urging nations to adopt new air quality guidelines that could save 7 million lives a year worldwide. Fine particulates known as PM2.5 are the deadliest of six types of pollution that need tighter restrictions, WHO says.

Judge Amy Coney Barrett speaks and gestures into a mic during the third day of her Senate confirmation hearing.

How would a Justice Amy Coney Barrett rule on the environment?

Environment
Air pollution in China

Air pollution is a silent killer, even when it meets EPA standards

Health & Medicine
brett kavanaugh

Kavanaugh’s track record on environmental law favors business over climate change protections

Justice
Kavanaugh 2006

What would a Justice Kavanaugh mean for the environment?

Politics
Polluting plant

Groups sue EPA over regulatory rollback, saying clean air is ‘at risk’

Environment

Once a major polluter becomes subject to the most-stringent regulations, it is always subject to the most stringent regulations, in perpetuity. Now, however, the EPA is rolling back the “once in always in” policy, and environmental activists are alarmed.

Cars move in the rain along a highway

Why California gets to write its own auto emissions standards: 5 questions answered

Environment

When the Clean Air Act was passed, California was already developing innovative laws and standards to address its unique air pollution problems. So Congress carved out an exemption.

Grand Canyon haze

Fighting the haze at the Grand Canyon

Environment

There’s still visibility issues at the Grand Canyon, but things seem to be getting better. Here’s how.

Pollution smokestacks

An obscure clause in an old law could help regulate US carbon emissions

Environment

President Obama’s Clean Power Plan has been put on hold by the Supreme Court, but this academic thinks Section 115 of the 46-year-old Clean Air Act allows Obama’s plan to function.

Coal power plant in New Mexico

The US Supreme Court will hear a challenge to EPA mercury emissions rule

Environment

For years, the coal industry has enjoyed tax benefits and exemptions from strict environmental regulations. But those days might be over: President Barack Obama is using EPA authority under the Clean Air Act to try to curb coal power plant emissions, including CO2 and mercury. But coal interests are fighting back in the courts.