Nixon signs the Clean Air Act, establishing federal air quality standards

President Nixon signed the Clean Air Act on December 31, 1970, establishing the first national ambient air quality standards and giving the newly created EPA authority to set and enforce pollution limits on stationary and mobile sources. The law required states to submit implementation plans within three years or face federal enforcement. The legislation passed the Senate 73-0 and passed the House by voice vote, reflecting bipartisan consensus on air pollution as a public health emergency.