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.