FERPA
U.S. federal regulation protecting student education records privacy
CAA
U.S. federal law for air quality standards and emissions control
Quick Verdict
FERPA protects student privacy in education records for schools receiving federal funds, while CAA regulates air emissions for industries via standards and permits. Schools comply to retain funding; industries adopt to avoid penalties and ensure operations.
FERPA
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
Key Features
- Grants rights to inspect, review, and amend records
- Requires prior written consent for PII disclosures
- Defines expansive PII including linkable indirect identifiers
- Mandates exceptions for school officials and emergencies
- Enforces via annual notices and disclosure logs
CAA
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq.)
Key Features
- National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants
- State Implementation Plans (SIPs) for attainment and maintenance
- New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for stationary sources
- Title V operating permits consolidating applicable requirements
- Enforcement tools including penalties and citizen suits
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
FERPA Details
What It Is
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a U.S. federal regulation establishing privacy protections for student education records. It applies to institutions receiving federal education funds, granting parents and eligible students rights to access, amend, and control PII disclosures. Its risk-based approach balances privacy with educational needs via consent rules and exceptions.
Key Components
- Core rights: inspect/review (45 days), amend inaccurate records, consent to disclosures.
- Definitions: education records, expansive PII (direct/indirect identifiers), directory information.
- Exceptions (15+): school officials, emergencies, audits; recordkeeping mandates.
- Compliance via annual notices, logs; enforced by funding penalties.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for fund recipients; mitigates legal risks, builds stakeholder trust. Enables safe data sharing, vendor management; supports innovation while protecting reputation.
Implementation Overview
Phased: governance, data inventory, policies/training, RBAC/tech controls, vendor DPAs, audits. Applies to K-12/postsecondary; no certification but DOE enforcement. Focuses operational controls over years.
CAA Details
What It Is
The Clean Air Act (CAA), codified at 42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq., is a comprehensive U.S. federal statute establishing national standards for ambient air quality and emissions from stationary and mobile sources. Its primary purpose is protecting public health and welfare through cooperative federalism, where EPA sets standards and states implement via enforceable plans and permits. It employs a risk-based, technology-forcing approach combining ambient targets and source controls.
Key Components
- NAAQS for six criteria pollutants (primary/secondary standards).
- SIPs, NSPS, NESHAPs/MACT, Title V permits, NSR/PSD.
- Built on 1970/1977/1990 amendments; no formal certification but federally enforceable compliance.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for emitters; drives compliance to avoid penalties, sanctions. Offers risk reduction, operational certainty, ESG benefits, and market access via proven controls.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, permitting, controls/monitoring installation, reporting. Applies to industries nationwide; requires audits, CEMS, stack tests—no certification but ongoing enforcement.
Key Differences
| Aspect | FERPA | CAA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Student education records privacy | Air quality and emissions control |
| Industry | Educational institutions K-12/postsecondary | Industrial, energy, manufacturing sectors |
| Nature | Privacy regulation, funding-conditioned | Environmental regulation, mandatory standards |
| Testing | Access requests, disclosure logs review | Emissions monitoring, stack testing, CEMS |
| Penalties | Federal funding loss, complaints process | Civil penalties, fines, enforcement actions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FERPA and CAA
FERPA FAQ
CAA FAQ
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