FISMA
U.S. federal law for risk-based cybersecurity management
CAA
U.S. federal statute for air quality and emission controls
Quick Verdict
FISMA mandates cybersecurity for federal systems via NIST RMF, while CAA enforces air emission controls through NAAQS and permits. Agencies and contractors adopt FISMA for compliance and resilience; industries use CAA to avoid fines and meet environmental standards.
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act 2014
Key Features
- Mandates NIST RMF 7-step risk lifecycle
- Requires continuous monitoring and diagnostics
- Applies to federal agencies and contractors
- Enforces annual IG independent assessments
- Demands real-time major incident reporting
CAA
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §7401 et seq.)
Key Features
- National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
- State Implementation Plans (SIPs) for attainment
- New Source Performance Standards (NSPS)
- Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT)
- Title V operating permits consolidation
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
FISMA Details
What It Is
Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) 2014 is a U.S. federal law establishing a risk-based framework for protecting federal information and systems. It modernizes the 2002 act, emphasizing continuous monitoring via NIST RMF (7 steps: Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor).
Key Components
- NIST SP 800-53 controls (20 families) tailored by FIPS 199 impact levels
- Agency-wide security programs with SSPs, POA&Ms
- Oversight by OMB, DHS/CISA, IGs using maturity metrics
- No formal certification; compliance via annual evaluations
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for federal agencies/contractors handling federal data; reduces breach risks, enables market access. Builds resilience, efficiency; avoids penalties like debarment.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF approach: inventory, categorize, implement controls, assess/authorize, monitor. Applies to agencies, contractors; high complexity for federated/large orgs. Involves IG audits, CISA metrics reporting.
CAA Details
What It Is
The 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 to protect public health and welfare. It establishes national NAAQS for criteria pollutants and technology-based standards, using cooperative federalism where EPA sets floors and states implement via SIPs. Approach combines ambient outcome targets with source controls.
Key Components
- NAAQS for ozone, PM, CO, Pb, SO2, NO2 (primary/secondary).
- SIPs, infrastructure/nonattainment plans.
- Emission standards: NSPS (§111), NESHAPs/MACT (§112), mobile/fuel rules (Title II).
- Title V permits, NSR/PSD preconstruction review.
- Enforcement, acid rain trading (Title IV), ozone protection (Title VI). No certification; compliance via permits, monitoring, reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory to avoid penalties, sanctions, citizen suits.
- Risk management for nonattainment, permitting delays.
- Strategic: ESG benefits, operational certainty, market access.
- Builds trust with regulators, communities, investors.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, emissions inventory, permitting (Title V/NSR), controls/monitoring (CEMS), training. Applies to major sources/industries nationwide; state variations. Ongoing audits, electronic reporting required. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | FISMA | CAA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Air quality and emission controls | |
| Industry | Manufacturing, energy, all emission sources | |
| Nature | Mandatory environmental pollution regulation | |
| Testing | CEMS, stack testing, permit audits | |
| Penalties | Fines, shutdowns, citizen suits |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FISMA and CAA
FISMA FAQ
CAA FAQ
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