Acid Rain

What is Acid Rain? Acid rain is rain with a pH of less than 5. Its main components are sulfuric and nitric acids. Sunlight can increase the effect.

The Causes and Effects of Acid Rain Damages trees and other plants Can destroy ponds and other bodies of water, killing the fish and other aquatic life. Damages houses and other buildings, including monuments and statues. When Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen oxide (NO) These chemicals are released from power plants and factories. They react with the water in the air, and form the acids.

History of Acid Rain Legislation - The U.S. began to treat acid rain as a serious problem in the 1970s. When we discovered that the acid rain was travelling from one part of the country to the other, it became a problem for the federal government. The federal government worked through the Environmental Protection Agency to plan laws that would lower Acid rain amounts. -In 1990 the EPA came up with amendments of the Clean Air Act that proposed lowering acid rain through “cap and trade,” which meant the government set limits on Sulfur Dioxide emissions. -Because of this amendment, 2005 emission levels were 41% below 1980 levels.

Current Acid Rain Legislation -The EPA’s successful “cap and trade” policy is still in effect today -The newest attempt to make stricter regulations on acid rain emissions was by Republican John McHugh, representative of New York. -McHugh proposed tougher legislation on acid rain in the Climate Bill, but when he left congress his proposition was left out of the climate bill. - The American public seem to be for tougher Acid Rain Legislation, but with the recent economic recession, focus in Washington has temporarily moved on. - When the recession is over the federal government will then be able to pick back up on the Acid Rain problem, which will more than likely lead to new laws on Acid Rain Regulation.

Solutions Alternative Energy Pass legislation Use Nuclear Power plants instead of coal and gas. Use wind and solar power where it is possible. Pass legislation Control emissions Ban the emission of Nitrogen and Sulfur Dioxide Develop specialized factories for the creation of alkaline substances, to be released into the atmosphere.

Alternative Energy Pros Cons Cost effective in the long term. Clean and often free. Often endless source. Cons The energy sources, like wind power, are not consistent. Oils and coal are some of the best for a base source. It’s expensive to change to other sources of energy. It’s difficult to legislate alternative energy.

Pass Legislation Pros Cons Gets the job done. Changes policy nationwide. Cons Isn’t always enforced. Government can’t and shouldn’t take over the companies. Could hurt the companies ability to do business.

The Basic Solution Pros Cons Could reduce acid rain by neutralizing the acids Would create jobs and not affect current businesses Cons Would be very costly Would be difficult to implement and control