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

The Cool Factor is Critical

Photo: Chevrolet Volt Plug-in

As supply management professionals consider environmental issues, obviously a knowledge of environmental laws and regulations is a must. Such professionals would be wise to mitigate risk by legally transferring the responsibility for environmental compliance to their suppliers where it makes sense to do so. (1)

It is in the area of Ethical Issues where responsibility becomes more of a voluntary process, but in many regards, no less of an important one. Best practice organizations make investments in renewable resources and employ recycling programs. In addition, selecting suppliers that use environmentally friendly technologies as well as recycle is another way supply management professionals can improve their company's ethical awareness. Any time companies can successfully re-use product within the organization rather than leave it as waste is a sign of ethical prudence. (1)

Consider a recent 3-day conference in Detroit where plug-in hybrid vehicles were all the rage. In this forum, business leaders from multiple automobile companies certainly realize the ethics behind environmentally friendly products. But they recognize that making such products fun to use, fun to drive, and in general fun to have is the real obstacle. With noticeably higher sticker prices than similar gas-engine cars, many recognize that the fun factor better be huge.

Maybe someday, buyers and consumers will opt for a more ethical purchase, without regard to price. But until that happens, in order for consumers to be green, per Tony Posawatz, vehicle line director for General Motors' Chevrolet Volt, the "cool factor is critical."

(1) CPSM Study Guide 1: 1-D-2 Establish and monitor environmentally responsible and compliant programs throughout the supply chain and life cycle.