This Week on E! (E as in 'Environment'): The Clean Air Act Turns 40

Editors Note: Despite some of the divisive themes in this message, in truth The Clean Air Act has been a result of continued bi-partisan and corporate commitment to our world and the air we breathe. By the way, how many famous faces did you see?

And speaking of famous faces...Uma Thurman, Matt Damon, Vince Vaughan and Kelly Ripa aren't the only ones turning 40 in 2010. The Clean Air Act celebrates 40 years in 2010 too - this month in fact. The numbers being reported in conjunction with the 40 year mark and celebration are impressive. Consider that in its first 20 years, the Clean Air Act is credited with saving 200,000 lives, and preventing 672,000 cases of bronchitis and 21,000 cases of heart disease. 843,000 avoided episodes of asthma are also a result of the Clean Air Act's first 20 years. Compare that to Vince Vaughan's and Matt Damon's first 20 years in which neither had yet landed a decent acting role.

But much like Vince and Matt, the biggest role for the Clean Air Act probably didn't come until its next 20 years either. Consider the impact on our air since 1990 in which now 1.7 million toxins have been removed, some pollutants are down as much as 41% and since 1980 lead is down 92% in our air.

The Clean Air Act doesn't just boast fame, but fortune too. It has been suggested that for every dollar spent on these laws, we have seen a return for $40 in value. Despite its many accolades, I have yet to see any Academy Awards or Emmy's handed out to this landmark legislation. But don't let that lessen in your mind the star power of these environmental laws.

Sample Test Question: Task 1-D-2

Examples of environmental laws at the US federal level include ALL of which of the following:

A) Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Robinson-Patman Act
B) Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
C) Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Toxic Substances Control Act
D) Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Freedom of Information Act