Command and control (CAC) regulation

Command and control regulation (CAC) is a form of public policy associated with the practice of setting mandatory standards for activities or products, with associated enforcement and monitoring by governmental agencies. CAC regulations may include standards for levels of various pollutants, such as in air or water, noise limits, or requirements for specific technologies, products, or practices. These types of regulations normally include a specific timeline for implementation and are often enforced through fines or other sanctions for non-compliance. CAC regulations are an example of command-and-control policy, meaning that the government sets a specific target (usually with numerical criteria) and then creates a mechanism to enforce adherence to that standard. CAC regulations are intended to help reduce or eliminate external costs and protect public safety and health.