EPA`s SO{sub 2} allowance tracking system and EPA`s role in developing the emissions allowance market

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:271825

Schary, C; Casey, E; Wagner, J ^[1]

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1. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC (United States). Acid Rain Div.

Under the Acid Rain Program, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is implementing the first national emissions trading program of its size to reduce electric utilities` sulfur dioxide (SO{sub 2}) emissions fifty percent from their 1980 levels. EPA established an emissions compliance currency by allocating a fixed number of SO{sub 2} allowances to the utilities. They can use, trade, or bank the allowances, according to their own least-cost compliance strategy. These trades are recorded by EPA in its Allowance Tracking System (ATS). The paper focuses on the approach EPA followed to implement its goals of ensuring SO{sub 2} emissions reductions and facilitating the formation of the SO{sub 2} allowance market and the development of ATS. The two primary principles EPA followed in guiding ATS`s development are to provide an accurate and reliable record of allowance holdings and to establish a system of internal controls that ensure the procedures to operate ATS result in accurate and reliable information. The third principle is the user interface and output of ATS should enhance the system`s usefulness to direct users and the general public. Finally, the paper describes ATS`s current functionality and procedures followed by EPA, as well as plans for future enhancements of ATS.

• OSTI ID: 271825
• Report Number(s): CONF-950196--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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