Statutory authority, permitting process, and business assistance. 

epa-picture-2.pngUnder the existing state and federal environmental regulatory structure, the federal government’s Environmental Protection Agency is granted primary authority to establish health-based ambient air quality standards and specific technology and emission requirements for sources of air pollution, regulate selected sources of air pollution, and mandate that states comply with these requirements. The federal government has the authority to withhold transportation funds from the state if certain requirements are not met. 

Under the state of California regulatory structure, the state’s California Air Resources Board maintains primary authority to regulate mobile sources of air pollution (e.g. establish vehicle and engine emission standards), and possess regulatory oversight authority over local and regional air pollution control agencies.  Local and regional agencies maintain primary authority to regulate stationary sources of air pollution (e.g. permitting industry activities and regulating open burning).