Emission Trading Results
Emission trading programs have been highly effective in reducing emissions and improving air quality since the launch of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA). The innovative Acid Rain Program curtailed acid-rain-causing emissions from the power sector through an emissions trading program. Expanded use of emissions trading through the CAAA Good Neighbor requirements achieved even more sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emission reductions. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide air pollution and their environmental effects have decreased dramatically in the last 30 years. Results of implemented emission trading programs under the Acid Rain Program and Good Neighbor requirements of the CAAA holds valuable lessons for future environmental policy.
The following figure shows emissions reductions since 1995 and a timeline of EPA's emissions trading programs. Hover over the figure for more details.
- ARP – Acid Rain Program (Phase 1, Phase 2, and full implementation)
- OTC NBP – Ozone Transport Commission NOx Budget Program
- NOX SIP Call NBTP – NOX Budget Trading Program including the NOX SIP Call
- CAIR Annual and Ozone Season NOX – Clean Air Interstate Rule
- CSAPR Annual and Ozone Season NOX – Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
- CSAPR Update – Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update
- RCU – Revised Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Update
- GNP – Good Neighbor Plan for the 2015 Ozone NAAQS
The emissions reductions achieved by these programs have led to improvements in air quality, deposition, public health, and the environment. Learn more about these environmental benefits in the Power Sector Programs Progress Report.
Learn more about emissions trading programs or discover additional power sector programs and their progress.