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New Interactive Tools Show Continuing SO2 Reductions at Coal-Fired Power Plants

Release Date: 11/20/2009
Contact Information: Deb Berlin, berlin.deb@epa.gov, 202-564-4914, 202-564-4355

WASHINGTON - New interactive tracking tools are now available on EPA’s Web site to help the public follow nation-wide changes in sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from coal-fired power plants. Using interactive charts and Google Earth satellite maps, the public can now observe recent changes in SO₂ emissions and other indicators at individual coal-fired power plants in the Acid Rain Program.

The Acid Rain Program was established under the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments requiring power plants to reduce emissions of SO₂ and nitrogen oxides (NO_x)—the primary causes of acid rain. Since 1995, the program has achieved significant environmental and public health benefits. In 2008, electric generating units subject to the market-based cap and trade SO₂ program emitted 7.6 million tons of SO₂, well below the current annual emission cap of 9.5 million tons.

More information on the interactive tracking tool: https://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/quarterlytracking.html