DOE Set to Reevaluate Clean Air Law: What It Means for Environmental Policy

The ongoing struggle against air pollution has prompted the Department of Environment (DOE) to reassess the effectiveness of the Clean Air Law, which was enacted in July 2017. Despite nearly eight years since its implementation, air quality issues persist, particularly worsening during the colder months. This concern was highlighted by Sediqeh Torabi, an official with the DOE, indicating a pressing need for reevaluation and action.

The DOE is currently engaged in a comprehensive review of the Clean Air Law to identify the challenges faced in its implementation. This evaluation aims to determine if there are deficiencies in the law’s enforceability or if the responsible organizations are failing to meet their obligations effectively. Based on these findings, the DOE will outline necessary measures and prioritize issues that require attention.

Air pollution is not just an environmental concern; it is the second leading risk factor for death worldwide, with approximately 8.1 million premature deaths attributed to conditions such as:

• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Lung cancer
• Acute respiratory infections

As one of the most significant environmental health risks of our time, air pollution exacerbates climate change, leads to economic losses, and diminishes agricultural productivity. Its effects are felt globally, underscoring the collective responsibility to safeguard our atmosphere and ensure clean air for all.

In a statement made in August 2024, Shina Ansari, the head of the DOE, emphasized that the department’s primary responsibility is to adopt and monitor the implementation of effective policies to combat air pollution. She noted that key strategies to address this issue include:

• Decommissioning worn-out vehicles
• Improving fuel and vehicle quality
• Enhancing public transportation systems
• Allocating necessary resources
• Reducing industrial emissions

However, Ansari cautioned that air pollution, particularly in large industrial cities, is a complex challenge that cannot be resolved quickly. The Clean Air Law was designed as a tool to mitigate air pollution across the country, obligating various organizations to act in accordance with its provisions. Unfortunately, the ongoing severe pollution indicates that responsible bodies have often neglected their legal duties concerning the law’s implementation.

The Clean Air Law outlines specific responsibilities for several ministries and organizations, including:

• The Ministry of Interior
• The Ministry of Oil
• The Ministry of Energy
• The Ministry of Transport and Urban Development
• The Ministry of Industry, Mining, and Trade
• The Ministry of Agriculture
• The Department of Environment
• The Police
• The Municipality
• National Television

In line with this, the Ministry of Oil has presented a three-year plan to the DOE aimed at significantly reducing the sulfur content in diesel fuel to comply with national standards. This initiative underscores the critical importance of clean air, which has been recognized so profoundly that a week in the country is dedicated to “Clean Air Week.”

As the DOE reviews the Clean Air Law, it is essential for all stakeholders to recommit to their responsibilities. The effectiveness of this law hinges on collaborative efforts among governmental bodies, industries, and the public to foster an environment where clean air is prioritized and protected.

Moving forward, the DOE’s review process is expected to yield vital insights that can inform strategies to enhance air quality. Through effective policy implementation and public engagement, there is hope for a future where clean air is a reality for all, not just a legal aspiration.

Ultimately, tackling air pollution requires a sustained commitment from all sectors of society. By adhering to the Clean Air Law and supporting its objectives, we can work towards a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.