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ACID RAIN CUT SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE 1980'S, SAYS NEW U.S.-CANADA REPORT

Release Date: 12/08/2000
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, DEC. 8, 2000

ACID RAIN CUT SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE 1980'S,
SAYS NEW U.S.-CANADA REPORT


The United States and Canada have gone beyond what the law requires in successfully reducing emissions of the major contributors to acid rain, sulfur dioxide (SO2 ) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), according to a new joint study on cross-border air pollution released today by both countries. As a result of these emissions cuts, rainfall acidity in the eastern United States has been reduced up to 25 percent compared to the 1980's; additionally, some ecosystems in New England are beginning to show signs of recovery from acidic damage. The study, “U.S.-Canada 2000 Air Quality Agreement Progress Report,”is the fifth in a series of biennial reports authorized by the 1991 United States-Canada Air Quality Agreement. The study includes data on the significant progress both countries have made in expanding cooperative efforts to reduce air emissions of ground-level ozone(smog) and particulates. The report further cites new cooperative efforts in both nations to assess the impact of particulate transport across the border and to develop a joint work plan to address the problem. For further technical information, call Rosemary Wolfe of EPA’s Clean Air Markets Division at 202-564-9176. Copies of the report are available at: www.epa.gov/acidrain or through the Acid Rain Hotline at 202-564-9620.

R-186 ###