Can trading result in hot spots (areas of heavy, localized emissions) and higher health risks?
In addition to the reductions required by the cap, all areas of the country must meet national, health-based air quality standards that are separate from the cap and trade program’s requirements. Several independent analyses have concluded that emissions trading under the Acid Rain Program has not adversely affected attainment of air quality standards. In fact, under the Acid Rain Program, the greatest reductions have been achieved in the highest emitting states.
