CAA
U.S. federal law for air quality standards and emissions control
FedRAMP
U.S. program standardizing federal cloud security authorizations
Quick Verdict
CAA regulates air emissions nationwide for industry compliance via permits and monitoring, while FedRAMP authorizes secure cloud services for federal agencies through NIST controls and 3PAO assessments. Companies adopt CAA to avoid penalties; FedRAMP to win government contracts.
CAA
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq.)
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
Key Features
- Reusable authorizations across federal agencies
- NIST SP 800-53 baselines by impact level
- Independent 3PAO security assessments
- Continuous monitoring with automation focus
- FedRAMP Marketplace for transparency
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
CAA Details
What It Is
Clean Air Act (CAA), codified at 42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq., is a U.S. federal statute regulating air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. Its primary purpose is protecting public health and welfare through ambient air quality standards and source controls. It employs cooperative federalism, with EPA setting national floors and states implementing via SIPs.
Key Components
- NAAQS for six criteria pollutants (ozone, PM, CO, Pb, SO2, NO2) with primary/secondary standards.
- Technology-based standards: NSPS, NESHAPs/MACT, mobile source rules.
- Title V operating permits, NSR/PSD preconstruction review.
- Enforcement via penalties, sanctions, citizen suits; no formal certification, but SIP/Title V approval.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for major sources to avoid penalties, shutdowns, litigation. Drives emission reductions, ensures permitting, mitigates nonattainment risks. Enhances ESG, operational efficiency via controls, trading.
Implementation Overview
Phased: applicability assessment, emissions inventory, permitting (Title V/NSR), install CEMS/controls, ongoing monitoring/reporting. Applies to industries like manufacturing, energy; varies by state SIPs, facility size.
FedRAMP Details
What It Is
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government framework standardizing security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services used by federal agencies. It employs a risk-based methodology derived from NIST SP 800-53 controls, mapped to FIPS 199 impact levels (Low, Moderate, High).
Key Components
- Baselines with ~156 (Low), 323 (Moderate), 410 (High) controls; includes LI-SaaS subset
- Core artifacts: SSP, SAR, POA&M
- Built on NIST standards; 3PAO independent assessments
- Agency/Program authorizations with presumption of adequacy
Why Organizations Use It
- Essential for federal cloud procurement access
- Enables reusable assessments, reducing duplication
- Enhances security posture and market credibility
- Builds stakeholder trust via rigorous validation
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, 3PAO assessment, authorization, monitoring
- Targets CSPs serving U.S. federal market
- 10-19 months typical; high resource needs
- Requires A2LA-accredited audits, ongoing reporting
Key Differences
| Aspect | CAA | FedRAMP |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Air emissions, quality standards, stationary/mobile sources | Cloud security assessment, authorization, monitoring |
| Industry | All industries with emissions, US nationwide | Cloud providers serving US federal agencies |
| Nature | Mandatory federal environmental statute | Standardized authorization program, mandatory for fed cloud |
| Testing | CEMS, stack tests, Title V permit monitoring | 3PAO assessments, NIST 800-53 control testing |
| Penalties | Civil/criminal fines, sanctions, FIPs | Revocation of authorization, contract ineligibility |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CAA and FedRAMP
CAA FAQ
FedRAMP FAQ
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