The Process of Establishing and Revising National Ambient Air Quality Standards

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Abstract
The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for periodically reviewing and revising (as necessary) all national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). These standards represent one of the principal environmental objectives of the Clean Air Act. NAAQS were set on April 30, 1971 for photochemical oxidants, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide. A NAAQS was established for lead on Oct. 5, 1978. The standard-setting process has evolved into a more complex and lengthy procedure in response to the need for both better information on which to base a decision and the desire for more involvement by the general public and the scientific community in the decision making process. This article presents an overview of the current standard-setting process, discusses some of the key scientific issues related to setting standards, and briefly describes some possible future refinements to the standard- setting process.

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