Thanks to bi-partisan support, this nation finally has a new clean air law! While it is not everything environmentalists wanted, it is a big step forward, and those sections that are too weak, or were omitted can be addressed in future legislation. Here are some highlights of the new law:
Ozone Protection - Halts CFC production by 2000, methylchloroform by 2002, HCFCs by 2030, requires recycling of refrigerators and air conditioners by 1992. Requires EPA to develop list of safe alternatives to CFCs.
Acid Rain - Cuts in half SO2 and NOx emission levels from smokestacks, sets a cap on SO2 emissions.
Air Toxics - Reduces emissions from industrial plants of cancer and birth defect causing chemicals by 70% to 90% by the year 2003. Allows citizens to more easily sue industries for civil penalties or to sue EPA for delaying cleanup actions.
Motor Vehicles & Fuels - Requires new car tailpipe emissions of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides by 35% and 60% respectively by 1994 or 1996. Oil companies must sell cleaner gasoline formulas by 1995 in the 9 most polluted cities. Longer warranties on catalytic converters. ***