Free enterprise approach to air-pollution control

Journal Article · Wed Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · EPA J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6234160

Ryan, D

The Environmental Protection Agency hopes that a scheme to auction pollution rights will yield higher air quality at lower cost and with fewer government rules. A system of controlled trading will let firms reduce their overall pollution by reducing emissions at those facilities where the costs will be lowest. The flexible umbrella concept incorporates three programs: the Emission Offset Policy, which allows new plant construction by reducing the emission from existing plants; the Bubble Policy, which allows firms to determine where the reductions will be made; and Emission Reduction Banking, which allows firms to bank credits when they reduce pollution below the legal requirement and save these credits for a future date. The advantages of controlled trading are based on its flexibility and the use of market incentives to promote environmental quality. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 6234160
• Journal Information: EPA J.; (United States), Journal Name: EPA J.; (United States) Vol. 7:4; ISSN EPAJD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
500600* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Regulations-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
CONTROL
ECONOMICS
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
INDUSTRY
MANAGEMENT
POLLUTION CONTROL