William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review
Abstract
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the creation, implementation, and enforcement of environmental quality standards in the United States, focusing on the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. It examines the roles of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in establishing national standards and the responsibilities of individual states in achieving and maintaining these standards. The article is divided into two main sections: the first addresses water quality standards, including the determination of total maximum daily loads and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), while the second focuses on air quality standards, detailing the legislative framework and the development of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). By analyzing the federal-state relationship and the regulatory processes involved, this article aims to provide insights that may assist policymakers and scholars, particularly in the European Union, as they seek to enhance their own environmental regulatory frameworks. The discussion highlights both the successes and challenges inherent in the U.S. approach to environmental quality standards, offering a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of environmental law in a federal system.
