What is the primary objective of the Clean Air Act?

The primary objective of the Clean Air Act is to prevent air pollution, which encompasses a range of regulations and strategies specifically aimed at improving and maintaining air quality in the United States. The Act establishes National Ambient Air Quality Standards that are designed to protect public health and the environment from harmful pollutants. Its focus extends to regulating emissions of hazardous air pollutants and ensuring that states adhere to established air quality standards, ultimately resulting in cleaner air for all.

While protecting the ozone layer and the earth's atmosphere are important environmental concerns addressed by various regulations, they fall under the broader umbrella of preventing air pollution. The Act's provisions are comprehensive and involve collaboration between federal and state governments to monitor and improve air quality, making the prevention of air pollution its central aim.