Key Issues > Air Quality
environment icon, source: Art Explosion

Air Quality

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that more than 100 million people live in counties where one or more air quality standards––usually for ozone or particulate matter––was exceeded.

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Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency seeks to protect and enhance the quality of the nation’s air, and protect Americans from the harmful effects of air pollution. EPA sets air quality standards for six key air pollutants that have been linked to a variety of adverse health effects, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function, and premature death in individuals with other health problems. EPA also implements numerous programs to limit emissions of the six key air pollutants, as well as toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases, from a variety of stationary sources such as power plants, and mobile sources, such as motor vehicles.

Looking for our recommendations? Click on any report to find each associated recommendation and its current implementation status.

Air Pollution

EPA Needs Better Information on New Source Review Permits
GAO-12-590, Jun 22, 2012

Natural Resources and Environment

Air Emissions and Electricity Generation at U.S. Power Plants
GAO-12-545R, Apr 18, 2012

Diesel Pollution

Fragmented Federal Programs That Reduce Mobile Source Emissions Could Be Improved
GAO-12-261, Feb 7, 2012

Air Quality

Information on Tall Smokestacks and Their Contribution to Interstate Transport of Air Pollution
GAO-11-473, May 11, 2011

More Reports

Department of Energy

Status of Loan Programs
GAO-13-331R, Mar 15, 2013

Water Quality

EPA Faces Challenges in Addressing Damage Caused by Airborne Pollutants
GAO-13-39, Jan 24, 2013

Transportation

Flexible Funding Continues to Play a Role in Supporting State and Local Transportation Priorities
GAO-13-19R, Nov 15, 2012

Manufactured Housing Standards

Testing and Performance Evaluation Could Better Ensure Safe Indoor Air Quality
GAO-13-52, Oct 24, 2012

Oil and Gas

Information on Shale Resources, Development, and Environmental and Public Health Risks
GAO-12-732, Sep 5, 2012

EPA Regulations and Electricity

Better Monitoring by Agencies Could Strengthen Efforts to Address Potential Challenges
GAO-12-635, Jul 17, 2012

Unconventional Oil and Gas Production

Opportunities and Challenges of Oil Shale Development
GAO-12-740T, May 10, 2012

Workplace Safety and Health

Multiple Challenges Lengthen OSHA's Standard Setting
GAO-12-602T, Apr 19, 2012

Workplace Safety and Health

Multiple Challenges Lengthen OSHA's Standard Setting
GAO-12-330, Apr 2, 2012

Federal Oil and Gas Leases

Opportunities Exist to Capture Vented and Flared Natural Gas, Which Would Increase Royalty Payments and Reduce Greenhouse Gases
GAO-11-34, Oct 29, 2010
More...
  • portrait of Alfredo Gomez
    • Alfredo Gomez
    • Director, Natural Resources and Environment
    • gomezj@gao.gov
    • 202-512-3841