EPA allocates emission allowances for phase II plants

Journal Article · Thu Apr 15 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Public Utilities Fortnightly; (United States)

OSTI ID:6624122

Burkhart, L A

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last month issued a final rule allocating acid rain emission allowances for use after 2000 by most United States power plants. The rule sets the stage for significant pollution reduction through the emission trading system established by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. The rule complements EPA's comprehensive, final acid rain rule for SO[sub 2], which was published in the January 11, 1993, Federal Register. Under this rule, SO[sub 2] reductions will occur in two phases: Phase I begins in 1995 and sets allowances for 110 of the nation's largest plants, mostly coal-fired generators in eastern and midwestern states. Phase II begins in 2000 and further reduces emissions for Phase I plants, while it sets additional restrictions for about 800 smaller plants. The March 5 rules list allowance allocations for Phase II, enabling Phase II utilities to choose the most effective compliance strategy. In a related matter, the Chicago Board of Trade was expected to hold EPA's first annual auction of acid rain allowances on March 29. The auction allowed new utilities - those not automatically allocated allowances under the Clean Air Act - to purchase allowances. The direct sale of allowances will begin no later than June 1, at a price of $1,500 an allowance (to be adjusted yearly for inflation), and will continue on a first-come, first-served basis until none are left.

• OSTI ID: 6624122
• Journal Information: Public Utilities Fortnightly; (United States), Journal Name: Public Utilities Fortnightly; (United States) Vol. 131:8; ISSN PUFNAV; ISSN 0033-3808
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
ACID RAIN
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
ALLOCATIONS
AMENDMENTS
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
CHALCOGENIDES
COMPLIANCE
CONTROL
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
LAWS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NORTH AMERICA
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION CONTROL
POLLUTION LAWS
POWER PLANTS
RAIN
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR DIOXIDE
SULFUR OXIDES
TRADE
US CLEAN AIR ACT
US EPA
US ORGANIZATIONS
USA