Retention of State authority

Except as otherwise provided in sections 1857c–10(c), (e), and (f) (as in effect before August 7, 1977), 7543, 7545(c)(4), and 7573 of this title (preempting certain State regulation of moving sources) nothing in this chapter shall preclude or deny the right of any State or political subdivision thereof to adopt or enforce (1) any standard or limitation respecting emissions of air pollutants or (2) any requirement respecting control or abatement of air pollution; except that if an emission standard or limitation is in effect under an applicable implementation plan or under section 7411 or section 7412 of this title, such State or political subdivision may not adopt or enforce any emission standard or limitation which is less stringent than the standard or limitation under such plan or section. (Source: (July 14, 1955, ch. 360, title I, § 116, formerly § 109, as added Pub. L. 90–148, § 2, Nov. 21, 1967, 81 Stat. 497; renumbered § 116 and amended Pub. L. 91–604, § 4(a), (c), Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1678, 1689; Pub. L. 93–319, § 6(b), June 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 259; Pub. L. 95–190, § 14(a)(24), Nov. 16, 1977, 91 Stat. 1400.))