In Focus: The Evolution of Air-Quality Regulations

Date

March 19, 2026

Guest

Producer

Air-quality regulations in the United States are largely success stories—starting from the Clean Air Act of 1970, followed by its amendments in 1977 and 1990. Senior Fellow Bryan Hubbell highlights their importance to public health, made possible in part by American innovative engines. Challenges persist, such as deregulation efforts in the second Trump administration and the difficulty of assessing the effects of various pollutants on communities.

Related People

Related content

If/Then: Ignoring the Benefits of Air Pollution Regulations Will Lead to Worse Policy Decisions

Bryan Hubbell and Alan Krupnick

An aerial view of houses damaged by a hurricane

If/Then: Recent Changes to Federal Disaster Policy Will Speed the Delivery of Recovery Resources to Vulnerable Communities

Sofia Hines

Deep-Sea Mining? Exploring Key Trade-Offs for the Energy Transition

EconoFact: “The Costs of Continuing Coal-Fired Power in the United States”

In Focus: The Evolution of Air-Quality Regulations

Bryan Hubbell

Anna Matthei