Ecolex Logo
The gateway to
environmental law
Search results » Literature

Preparing for the onslaught of Clean Air Act citizen suits: A review of strategies and defenses

Author
Belden R.S.
Journal/Series
The Environmental Lawyer | Vol. 1(2); 377 - 433; 57 p.
Date
1995
Source
IUCN (ID: ANA-054090)
Publisher | Place of publication
The George Washington University National Law Center | Washington, DC, USA
Language
English
Country/Territory
United States of America
Subject
Air & atmosphere
Keyword
Air quality/air pollution Access-to-justice
Abstract

This article discusses the new potential for citizen suits under the Clean Air Act. While historically, few citizen plaintiffs filed suits, the 1990 Amendments significantly revise the Clean Air Act, which promises to encourage a new wave of environmental litigation. This article examines changes affecting emitting facilities, including how citizen plaintiffs may now sue for past ' repeated ' violations. The article evaluates facilities 'options after a citizen plaintiff files suit. In addition, the article discusses procedural and substantive defenses against citizen suits. Finally, the author suggests permit application and operational strategies that may reduce a company ' s exposure to citizen suits