SO2 Acid Rain Credits
The goal of this program is to achieve significant reductions in emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), the main precursors of acid rain.
The SO2 Acid Rain program utilizes market-based approaches for controlling air pollution: in effect, economic incentives are offered for the reduction of these pollutants. The reduction requirement affects nearly every major fossil-fuel-burning electric production facility in the country.
Anyone may buy, sell, or trade SO2 allowances: individuals, corporations, governing bodies, brokers, municipalities, environmental groups, and private citizens. Currently, the SO2 Allowance Program is the most liquid of the environmental markets.