Why was the US sulfur dioxide allowance trading program widely considered to be a success?
The US sulphur dioxide cap-and-trade programme, aimed at the acid rain problem, has been hailed as a great success in almost all areas. In economic theory, a cap-and-trade scheme can be cost effective, meaning the aggregate costs of pollution reduction are minimised.
Does the US have an emissions trading system?
Emissions trading has emerged over the last two decades as a popular policy tool for controlling air pollution. Indeed, most major air quality improvement initiatives in the United States now include emissions trading as a component of emissions control programs.
How does the EPA allowance trading work for sulfur dioxide trading?
For example, in EPA’s Acid Rain Program, each allowance authorizes a source to emit one ton of sulfur dioxide (SO2). Once an affected source has an allowance, the source can decide whether to use it for compliance, trade it in the allowance market, or save that allowance for compliance in the future.
What is the US sulfur dioxide program?
The Acid Rain Program is a market-based initiative taken by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in an effort to reduce overall atmospheric levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which cause acid rain.
What is the current limit of SO2 emission allowed in the US?
The hourly primary standard sulfur dioxide emissions is currently 75 ppb and the three-hour secondary standard is 500 ppb.
Does the Clean Air Act regulate the amount of co2 emitted by power plants?
Existing Power Plants EPA regulates greenhouse gas emissions from power plants under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act, which allows EPA and the states greater flexibility in crafting and implementing a standard.
What is the main advantage of emission trading?
While the primary goal of emissions trading is to reduce emissions, a well-designed ETS can deliver substantial environmental, economic and social co-benefits. These benefits can include cleaner air, improving resource efficiency, ensuring energy security and creating jobs.
How do I get an emissions allowance?
Allowances can be bought directly from a company, individual, or group who holds them, or through a broker. Additionally, SO2 allowances under the Acid Rain Program can be purchased at the annual EPA Acid Rain Program SO2 Allowance Auction. Except for the auction, EPA does not sell allowances.
Which type of pollution control is most difficult?
ozone
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified six criteria pollutants: carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, lead, and particulates (aerosols). Of these six pollutants, ozone has proved the most difficult to control.
What produces more than two thirds of sulfur dioxide emissions?
Coal-burning power plants and oil-producing companies produce more than two-thirds of sulfur dioxide emissions.
How do I limit my so2 emissions?
Reducing Pollution Scientists have found different ways to reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide released from coal-burning power plants. One option is to use coal that contains less sulfur. Another option is to “wash” the coal to remove some of the sulfur.
Why are emissions lower for sulfur dioxide?
When concentrations of acidic sulfate from fossil fuel emissions decrease while the concentration of more basic ammonium molecules in the atmosphere stay constant, liquid water droplets in clouds become less acidic. This makes conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfate more efficient.