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SIX STEPS TO PPA PROCESS

Step #1: Defining the Social Problem:

Step #2: Gathering Evidence of the Problem:

Step #3: Identifying the Causes of the Problem

Step #4: Evaluating Existing Public Policies

Step #5: Developing Public Policy Solutions

Step #6: Selecting the Best Public Policy Solution

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The Social Problem

What is Air Pollution?�

Air pollution happens when harmful gases and chemicals go into the air.
It comes from cars, factories, wildfires, and even household items.
It can make people sick and harm animals, plants, and the Earth.

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Gathering Evidence of the Problem

How Do We Know It’s a Problem?�

Cities like Los Angeles and New York have high pollution levels.�
People with asthma have more trouble breathing.�
Scientists measure air quality with tools like the Air Quality Index (AQI).

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Causes Identifying The Problem

What Causes Air Pollution?�

Cars and buses that run on gas
Factories that burn fuel
Fires and smoke
Aerosol sprays and chemicals in homes�

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Evaluation Existing Public Policies

Advantages (Good Things)

cleaner Air – It helps remove smoke, smog, and harmful gases from the air we breathe.� Better Health – Fewer people get sick from breathing dirty air (like asthma or lung problems).� Protects Nature – Trees, animals, and rivers stay healthier with less pollution.� Helps the Earth – It reduces gases that cause climate change.� Makes Companies Clean Up – Factories and cars have to follow rules to pollute less.

What Is the Government Doing About It?

The Clean Air Act is a law that helps keep the air clean and safe for people, animals, and the planet. It was created by the U.S. government to stop pollution from things like cars, factories, and power plants.

Disadvantages (Challenges)

Costs Money – Companies may spend a lot of money to clean their machines or buy cleaner fuel.
Takes Time – Changing how we make energy and fix pollution doesn’t happen overnight.
Some People Disagree – Not everyone agrees on how strict the rules should be.

https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/evolution-clean-air-act

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Developing Public Policy Solutions

What Can Be Done?

Use more electric cars and buses�
Plant trees to clean the air�
Create rules for factories to pollute less�
Teach people how to reduce air pollution

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Selecting The Best Policy

Solution	What It Does	Is It Easy to Do? (Feasibility)	Does It Work Well? (Effectiveness)
Ride bikes or walk more	Fewer cars = less pollution in the air	Yes! It’s easy and healthy	Works well for short trips
Use buses, trains, or carpool	Fewer vehicles = less smoke and gas	Pretty easy if public transport exists	Very effective when lots of people join
Plant more trees	Trees clean the air by taking in bad gases	Easy in schools, parks, and homes	Great for long-term clean air
Use clean energy (solar, wind)	Makes electricity without smoke or harmful gas	Not easy for everyone (costs more)	Very good for the planet
Make factories follow clean rules	Stops big businesses from putting dirty smoke into the sky	Needs government rules and money	Very powerful if rules are followed

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