Trading emissions improve air quality

Journal Article · · Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States)

OSTI ID:6278682

Lents, J M

While admitting sharply contrasting views exist, James M. Lents of the South Coast Air Quality Management District in southern California sees emissions trading [open quotes]as a lifesaver for our troubled planet.[close quotes] He explains: [open quotes]If political support for the environment is to be maintained, we must seek the most economical and flexible means of pursuing cleanup. At present, market incentives and emissions trading represent our best hope.[close quotes] Lents is putting his money where his pen is. The air quality management district he heads plans to use market incentives, including emissions trading, to reduce air pollution in the notoriously dirty southern California area. When the system goes into operation in 1994, he estimates it will save southern California businesses more than $400 million a year in compliance costs, while also making major improvements in the region's air quality. If the idea works there, why won't it work elsewhere, even on a global scale, Lents asks He believes it will. But [open quotes]the ultimate success of emissions-trading programs, whether regional, national, or international in scope, lies in the proof that they're actually achieving reductions in harmful emissions,[close quotes] he emphasizes. [open quotes]These reductions must be real and verifiable to satisfy the Clean Air Act and a skeptical public.[close quotes]

• OSTI ID: 6278682
• Journal Information: Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States), Journal Name: Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States) Vol. 8:2; ISSN FARPEL; ISSN 0887-8218
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290201* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics-- (1992-)
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT
AIR QUALITY
CALIFORNIA
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
GLOBAL ASPECTS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
NORTH AMERICA
POLLUTION
POLLUTION ABATEMENT
TRADE
US CLEAN AIR ACT
USA