ABSTRACT
Since 1981 the US Congress has been considering whether to legislate a control program to alleviate the perceived effects of acidic deposition. The technical problems facing Congress in regard to acidic deposition are rooted in scientific uncertainty and the absence of culpability. Any control program that seeks to reduce emissions sufficient to relieve the acid deposition problem will be costly. Instead, the most cost-effective level of control for each source must be determined. The existing regulatory program for controlling the emissions of acid-precursor pollutants from major sources derives its authority from the Clean Air Act as amended in 1977. The Aspin bill is unique in its approach to emission reductions for acid rain control. It is unlikely to be adopted because of problems associated with the range of sources that would be included. The relationship between emissions, deposition, and damage is also poorly understood.
