The clean air act at a crossroads: turning 40, confronting climate change.

• Author: Gillette, Robert L., II
• Position: SYMPOSIUM

Twenty years after the last major amendments the Clean Air Act, the United States has much to consider. Management of these considerations could ultimately define the nation's success or failure in combating climate change. The challenges require not only consideration of climate change, but also consideration of national priorities as a whole.

Unfortunately, the nation's legislative agenda is crowded. Job creation, budget management, healthcare, and two major foreign military operations dilute the focus of decisionmakers. With so many pressing issues, the prospect of swift solutions and decisive action on climate change seems unlikely. The political climate is divisive. At least some vocal portion of the electorate does not understand or does not believe in the scientific evidence supporting climate change.

Even after climate change comes to the forefront of policymakers' priorities, the United States faces additional barriers. Legal, scientific, administrative, and political obstacles stand in the way of action. We, as a nation, need to know--and agree on--the best legal approaches, the most accurate scientific data, and the most efficient implementation of solutions. In short, there is a lot of work to do.

To contribute in some small part, Lewis and Clark Law School hosted a symposium entitled The Clean Air Act at a Crossroads: Turning 40, Confronting Climate Change. Some of the nation's finest scholars gathered to discuss the Clean Air Act, climate change, and the future. The following articles represent the ideas presented at the symposium. Professor Teresa...