In what year was the Clean Water and Air Act created?

The Clean Water Act was originally established as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act in 1948, marking one of the earliest federal efforts to address water pollution. This legislation set the foundation for regulating the discharge of pollutants into the waters of the United States and for establishing water quality standards.

The Clean Air Act, meanwhile, was initially passed in 1963 and has undergone several revisions throughout the years. Importantly, the two acts address different environmental issues—water quality and air quality, respectively. Understanding these historical contexts is crucial to grasping the evolution of U.S. environmental policy.

In the context of the Clean Water Act, the year 1948 signifies the inception of federal engagement in water pollution control, making it the correct answer to the question.