Acid Rain

             unsuitable for the survival of sensitive fish species such as the brook trout which has been completely eradicated in some areas.
             High elevation forests are also at risk as acid rain strips away nutrients in the soil through chemical reactions. .
             Man-made materials are affected by acid rain as well. Corrosion can occur to paint and coatings on buildings and vehicles. The automotive industry spends an estimated 61 million dollars per year on acid resistant coatings to protect vehicles from the affects of acid rain. .
             The Title IV Clean Air Act Amendment of 1990 set forth a primary goal to reduce Sulfur Dioxide emissions by 10 million tons below levels set for 1980. To achieve this goal, two phases of.
             restrictions would be placed on fossil fuel-fired power plants.
             Beginning in 1995, Phase 1 affected 110 electric utility plants comprised of 263 coal-burning units in 21 eastern and mid-western states. Additionally 182 units were added as substitutes or compensatory units bringing Phase 1 units to total 445.
             Phase 2 set to begin in the year 2000 will target smaller utility plants whose output exceeds 25 megawatts and all new electric utility units.
             In addition to reducing SO2 emissions Title IV calls for a 2 million-ton reduction of Nitrous Oxide (NOX) by the year 2000.
             New NOX burner technologies incorporated into coal-fired utility boilers will accomplish a majority of the reduction goals.
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             In order to meet the reduction goals set forth by Title IV of the CAA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented the "Acid Rain Program". Unlike previous EPA programs, it allows industry to choose compliance options by allowing the active trading of emission allowances or "credits" to minimize compliance costs. Traditional compliance programs have implemented stringent "command and control" methods. These methods establish inflexible emission standards to which all effected sources had to comply.