Clean Air Class 1
Measuring up to the toughest restrictions for air quality
What the Clean Air Act is all about
Good air quality is a critical factor in maintaining a healthy, sustainable environment, and this is what the Clean Air Act is all about. The Clean Air Act sets federal standards for air pollution and facilitates cooperation with states to regulate polluting emissions. The goal of the Clean Air Act is to establish emission limits for criteria pollutants in an effort to improve the air quality in the US. Over the past years modifications have been made to prevent the deterioration of air quality in areas where industries exceeded the Federal Standards.
Different classes established
Amendments to the Clean Air Act in 1977 established three categories of areas that exceed national standards for air quality. Emissions of particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and other air pollutants are restricted at different levels for these areas. Class I areas are the most restricted, holding the highest level of protection for air quality in the country.
Mohawk meets the very highest standards
Certain areas of the country have been designated as Class 1 Wilderness areas and therefore, have higher emission standards under the Clean Air Act. The purpose is to maintain these areas in a pristine manner. The Lees Carpets factory in Glasgow, Virginia is located within one mile of the James River Wilderness Area, which is a Class 1 Area. Due to this proximity, this facotry is subject to tougher emission standards than the majority of the carpet industry.