Decision-Making Framework for Air Quality Management

Abstract

A decision-making framework for multipollutant air quality management in North America is described that includes risk assessment and accountability. The chapter begins with a summary of current air quality management structures in Canada, the United States, and Mexico including current capabilities and applications of measuring accountability. The chapter postulates a four-level transition from current air quality management practice to a risk- and results-based multipollutant air quality approach. This hypothetical four-level transition is used throughout the book to assess the ability of current science to support the degree of risk- and results-based air quality management represented in each of the four transition levels.