Protection of atmospheric air from pollution remains a critical issue for public administration in Kazakhstan, as evidenced by the deteriorating environmental conditions in several major cities. Atmospheric air pollution results in adverse health effects, diminishes the quality of life for the population, and disrupts ecosystem stability. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the “Polluter Pays” Principle in the legal regulation of environmental relations. To achieve this objective, authors employed a mixed-method research approach. This involved the analysis of secondary data on atmospheric air quality and a comprehensive examination of regulations pertaining to the implementation of the legal principle under consideration. The findings indicated that, despite some positive trends in atmospheric air quality from 2017 to 2022, emissions of certain pollutants, including arsenic, copper, and hydrocarbons, saw significant increases. Concurrently, Kazakhstan remains in the international rankings as one of the countries where permissible pollution standards are exceeded by 3 to 5 times. The analysis of the legislative framework supporting the “Polluter Pays” Principle revealed several weaknesses and legislative gaps that hinder the achievement of the strategic goal of reducing harmful atmospheric emissions.
