What term describes areas that comply with environmental quality standards set forth by the Clean Air Act?

The term that describes areas complying with environmental quality standards set forth by the Clean Air Act is "Attainment Areas." These are regions where air quality meets the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) established to protect public health and the environment. The classification of these areas is crucial in air quality management, as they are eligible for federal assistance and do not face the more stringent regulatory measures that apply to non-attainment areas, which do not meet the standards.

In the context of air quality regulation, attainment areas signify compliance, allowing for more lenient development and industry operations compared to those in non-attainment zones. Understanding this classification helps in recognizing the effectiveness of air quality management strategies and the progress made toward reducing pollution in the respective regions.