Lessons from the Clean Air Act: Building Durability and Adaptability into U.S. Climate and Energy Policy

Climate and energy policy must be durable and adaptable to be successful. However, these two concepts often seem to be in opposition. One venerable institution that exemplifies both ideas is the Clean Air Act, first passed by the United States Congress in 1963 with amendments passed in 1970 and 1990. The Act has resulted in remarkable improvements in air quality, with programs that reach across the entire economy and regulate various sectors and pollutants.

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By examining the successes – and failures – of the Clean Air Act, an American Academy study group has identified lessons for improving future climate and energy policymaking in the U.S. at both the federal and state levels. Those lessons are described in a new book from Cambridge University Press, Lessons from the Clean Air Act: Building Durability and Adaptability into U.S. Climate and Energy Policy. This event, a partnership with Resources for the Future, highlighted how the conclusions presented in this book can be used to guide and create effective energy policies at all levels of government.