ABSTRACT
Among the most important environmental statutes are those for control of air and water pollution. These statutes are central to the public health necessity of safe air and water in which we come into daily contact. Described in this chapter are the federal Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Each act is presented in regard to its history, key public health provisions, and public health signifi cance. Of note will be each statute’s embedded policies of regulatory approach to pollution control. Both emission and quality standards are found throughout these three statutes. How the statutes involve interplay and shared responsibilities between federal and state government will be discussed. But it is particularly important to understand these statutes for their public health importance, as discussed throughout the chapter.
