Loading...
The difficulty in fencing in Interstate emissions
Moren, Harry
Moren, Harry
Author(s)
Author(s) (Additional)
Illustrator(s)
Producer(s)
Contributor(s)
Contributor(s) (Other)
Editor(s)
Advisor(s)
Contact(s)
Data Collector(s)
GE Subjects
Collections
Files
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Online Access
Abstract
"Airborne pollutants from electricity generation, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, may travel long distances from their sources and routinely cross state boundaries. It is difficult for individual states to control the harmful health and environmental effects of these emissions, and often they are unable to meet ozone and particulate matter national ambient air quality standards mandated by the Clean Air Act. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) attempted to resolve this interstate pollution problem by promulgating the Clean Air Interstate Rule, which established a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions originating in many eastern states. However, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, in its recent decision North Carolina v. EPA, found the rule inconsistent with the Clean Air Act and surprised all interested parties by vacating the rule. In this Note, I first discuss the regulatory history behind CAIR, including previous sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions reductions programs established by Congress, EPA, and a group of northeastern states, respectively. I then explain the relevant aspects of CAIR and summarize why the D.C. Circuit invalidated it. Next, I explore the theory of using market-based approaches—such as cap-and-trade systems—as compared to traditional command-and-control approaches to achieve emissions reductions, focusing on the context of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions. Finally, I recommend design features for the future revision of EPA’s rule." (p. 1)
Note(s)
Topic
Type
Article
Date
2009
Identifier
ISBN
DOI
Copyright/License
With permission of the license/copyright holder