MEMORANUDM 2

TO: Kianna Mateen, Connor Socrates, Ahmad Jaradat

FROM: Zehn Wani

DATE: February 16, 2017

SUBJECT: Air Pollution in Government Sphere of Action (National)

THE GOVERNMENT SPHERE OF ACTION

The government sphere is possibly the primary mode of action to limit the gross expulsion of

pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and other particulate matter (Climate). Since

most of the policies implemented by the government are non-voluntary, it provides both the

required regulation incentives for individuals and businesses to limit their emissions (Economic).

For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), formed in 1970 by the federal

government, is given cabinet level ranking and the power to fine and sanction (Overview). This

level of authority is best reserved for large industries and factories, such as those found in the

Detroit region and others nation-wide. For domestic manufacturing, the EPA has enacted permit

systems for control of efficient technology, but also promotes voluntary actions which can

benefit businesses by improving their image and lead to technical assistance due to compliance

(Economic). This pertains to Dr. Deegan Krauses remarks on matching the scope of the solution

with the scope of the problem air pollution is largely caused by the same primary activities

across the world, therefore the EPA must match the large-scale scope of the problem with broad,

enveloping policy. Furthermore, the Clean Air Act, which was recently amended in 1990, covers

an expansive amount of polluting activities; it covers aspects from fuel standards, to imports, and

even manufacturing (Overview).

WHAT THE EPA DOES

Since the EPA is a government agency, it has the funds and ability to distribute information and

data which most private researchers and laboratories do not have (Overview). Although some

may deny it, all the air quality standards set under the Clean Air Act are based on health-based

scientific research over decades some newer organizations may not have the extensive data and

history that the EPA has access to (Samet). Additionally, the EPAs government title gives it

authority over large corporations civic and non-profit organizations can attempt to influence

the environmental impact of wealthy companies with factories, but ultimately, it is the EPA

which has instilled these standards (Economic). This has further lead to the spread and popularity

of going green initiatives around the nation in addition to advancements in clean technology in

order to conform to the strict guidelines set by the agency (Overview). The EPA has seen

numerous successes in the past few years to regulate the emissions of multiple volatile

substances in addition to carbon dioxide, the leading greenhouse gas. The amendments to the

Clean Air Act in 1990 allowed the EPA to expand and create the Acid Rain Program. From 2007

to 2008, sulfur dioxide emissions dropped 1.3 million tons, considerably lower than the

command regulations set by the EPA (Clean). They agency was even able to lower costs than the

expected budget price only costing one fourth of what was predicted.

CHALLENGES AND OBSTACLES

Nevertheless, the policies which the EPA proposes still require approval from Congress. Certain

policies which aimed to reduce air pollution drastically and set harsh regulations have been

denied. For instance, the 2009 American Clean Energy and Security Act set to further reduced

the cap for greenhouse gas emissions and set standards for future levels did not pass through the
House (Climate). Specifically, this act would have aimed to reduce emissions 83% below the

2005 levels, which would require large amounts of funding for new technology and increased

incentive-tax based regulations. The current presidential administration has also worried the

EPA. The Trump administrations is preparing to enact several executive orders to reshape the

agency (Shepardson). Trump has even promised to cut environmental regulations such as those

supported by former President Obama. Trump also claims that this will not compromise air and

water quality, but his previous comments denying global warming show insight on his financial-

based agenda. Scott Pruitt, Trumps pick to run the EPA has been pressed for his ties with the oil

industry and has even sued the EPA multiple times in the past (Shepardson).

WORK CITED

"Clean Air Markets." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 17 Jan. 2017. Web. 16 Feb. 2017.

<https://www.epa.gov/airmarkets>.

"Climate change legislation advances." Issues in Science and Technology 25.4 (2009): 17.

Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 16 Feb. 2017.

"Economic Incentives." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 27 May 2016. Web. 16 Feb.

2017. <https://www.epa.gov/environmental-economics/economic-incentives>.

"Overview of the Clean Air Act and Air Pollution." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 04

Jan. 2017. Web. 16 Feb. 2017. <https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview>.

Samet, Jonathan M., M.D. "The Clean Air Act and Health -- A Clearer View from 2011." The

New England journal of medicine 365.3 (2011): 198-201. ProQuest. Web. 16 Feb. 2017

Shepardson, David, Timothy Gardner, Richard Valdmanis, and Reuters. "Trump May Start

Reshaping the EPA Soon." Scientific American. Nature America Inc, 15 Feb. 2017. Web.
16 Feb. 2017. <https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trump-may-start-reshaping

the-epa-soon/>.