Answer:The Clean Air Act of 1970 was different because it introduced comprehensive national standards, increased regulatory authority, emphasized technology-forcing, set clear timelines, involved the public, targeted auto emissions, and created funding mechanisms.
Explanation:The Clean Air Act of 1970 stood out from earlier air quality laws due to several distinct features. Firstly, it adopted a comprehensive approach by addressing a wide array of air pollutants and imposing stricter standards, in contrast to prior laws that often focused on specific pollutants or industries. Additionally, it significantly bolstered the regulatory authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), empowering the agency to establish emission standards, enforce regulations, and take action against polluters, whereas previous laws relied more heavily on state and local governments. Furthermore, the Act introduced the concept of "technology-forcing," encouraging the adoption of cleaner technologies and promoting the development and implementation of advanced pollution control methods. It also introduced specific timelines for achieving air quality standards, taking a more proactive stance compared to previous laws without clear deadlines. Emphasizing public participation, the Act required public hearings, the disclosure of information, and opportunities for citizen input in regulatory decisions. It specifically targeted automobile emissions, necessitating the development and implementation of emissions control technologies for vehicles. Moreover, the Act established funding