Transportation, Land Use, and Air Quality Programs

Numerous air pollution control programs have recently been initiated or are pending which will be closely related to transportation and land management activities. These programs result from the environmentally oriented legislation of the early 1970's, and subsequent court decisions. A brief summary of certain provisions of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970 is presented, accompanied by a description of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations concerning indirect sources, air quality maintenance areas, and prevention of significant air quality deterioration. Development of the air quality quidelines pursuant to the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1970 is also considered, as well as the Illinois response to these guidelines. It is concluded that the air quality problems confronting the United States are very complex and that substantial cooperation among all levels of government and among all interested parties will have to be generated if the national ambient air quality standards are to be achieved and maintained.