Policymaking Assignment: The Right to Clean Air and Water

Background of the Issues Leading to the Policy

The initiation of environmental policies aimed at ensuring clean air and water can be traced back to the 20th century. This period was marked by industrial expansion that ultimately led to visible environmental disasters. The increased recognition of pollution issues made its way to the legislative branch of the United States government. Recognizing the severity of the situation, legislation was enacted to establish federal standards that enforce environmental protection on a national scale, thereby transcending state boundaries.

These landmark acts prompted Congress to create discharge and industrial emission regulations that prioritized public health over unregulated industrial growth.
The legislation has fostered consistent national standards aimed at protecting citizens from pollution.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a fundamental role in enforcing these standards, addressing public health concerns, particularly when state-level interventions prove insufficient.
Such policies have facilitated a cohesive approach to environmental regulation across the nation, mitigating the detrimental effects of pollution as outlined in the Environmental Protection Agency's report dated 2025.

Affected Individuals Domestically and Internationally

The enactment of clean air and water policies significantly impacts various groups both domestically and internationally.

Domestic Affected Parties

Local Residents: Citizens residing near industrial areas, factories, or other potential sources of pollution are the most directly affected. These individuals stand to gain from improved air and water quality, resulting in enhanced overall health outcomes.
American Business Owners and Utility Companies: Operations of these economic entities are directly influenced by the stringent federal rules and regulations. They must dedicate financial resources to comply with these regulations, including investing in technologies designed to reduce pollution.

International Affected Parties

Global Corporations: International companies seeking to sell products in the United States are also impacted by these policies. To access the U.S. market, they must adhere to federal environmental regulations, which further demonstrates the global implications of domestic policy decisions.
The policies not only shape domestic economic decisions but also have far-reaching effects on global business practices, as compliance with U.S. standards is mandatory for success in the American market.
Enforcement of these environmental policies via legal actions is managed by government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Justice, as outlined in their 2025 report.

Sources

Environmental Protection Agency. (2025, November 22). Summary of the Clean Air Act. https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean-air-act
U.S. Department of Justice. (2025, May 29). Environment and Natural Resources Division: Water. https://www.justice.gov/enrd/water
Samantaroy, S. (2025, March 15). US EPA rollback of dozens of air, water and chemical pollution regulations threatens America’s health. Health Policy Watch.