What legislation requires the EPA to establish national standards for clean air?

The Clean Air Act is the legislation that requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish national standards for clean air. This act was originally passed in 1963 and has undergone several amendments to address various air quality concerns across the United States. It sets out to regulate air emissions from stationary and mobile sources, ensuring that air quality meets the standards necessary to protect public health and the environment.

The authority granted by the Clean Air Act is essential because it provides a framework for controlling pollutants that can have significant impacts on air quality, such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. Additionally, it mandates states to create implementation plans to achieve and maintain these air quality standards, which is vital for reducing air pollution and improving overall public health.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of environmental regulation. The Clean Water Act pertains to water pollution, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act deals with the management of hazardous waste, and the National Environmental Policy Act outlines procedures for federal agencies to assess the environmental impacts of their proposed actions. These acts serve important roles but do not specifically address the establishment of air quality standards like the Clean Air Act does.