Post on 17-Jan-2016
Acid Rain
What is Acid Rain?Deposited material from
the atmosphere containing high amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids
Comes from both natural and man-made sources, often from burning of fossil fuels.
It can come down as rain, snow or fog, in wet form. It can come down as dust, ash or smoke in dry form.
What Causes Acid Rain?Sulfur dioxide
and nitrogen oxides released from power plants
Burning fossil fuels, like coal and oil
Automobile use is a big factor
What are the Effects of Acid Rain?Acidification of
lakes and streamsDamages trees
and soilsCan decay
buildings and sculptures
Can harm ecosystems
Can harm human health
Solutions to Acid RainStudy and educationLook for alternative
sources of power besides fossil fuels, like wind and solar
Conserve energyGet a fuel-efficient car,
and keep your car in good condition to reduce emissions
Cap emissions
Reduction of Acid RainResults
The Acid Rain Program has produced remarkable and demonstrable results. It has reduced SO2 emissions faster and at far lower costs than anticipated, yielding wide-ranging health and environmental improvements. In fact, a 2003 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) study found that the Acid Rain Program accounted for the largest quantified human health benefits – over $70 billion annually – of any major federal regulatory program implemented in the last 10 years, with benefits exceeding costs by more than 40:1.
Compliance. Compliance with the program has been consistently and extraordinarily high (over 99%). Stringent, automatic penalties provide a strong incentive for compliance and require that any excess emissions are offset.
Costs. The cost of compliance with the Acid Rain Program has been substantially lower than estimated.