Senators propose cap and trade on power station pollutants

While Congress continues to argue about whether to regulate the emission of carbon dioxide, newly-proposed legislation has upped the ante. A bill introduced into the Senate would curb emissions of sulphur dioxide and other gases.

The Clean Air Amendments of 2010 Bill, introduced by Senators Thomas Carper and Lamar Alexander, would introduce cap and trade schemes to limit the emissions of gases from coal plants. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide would be covered by the Act. Mercury emissions from coal plants could be reduced by as much as 90 per cent, according to Carper.

"Mercury can contaminate our crops and water supply, ultimately harming brain function and other vital organs, and is especially harmful to children and pregnant women," said Senator Alexander in a statement. "Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can contribute to respiratory illness and other lung diseases."

Legislation would require sulphur dioxide emissions to be cut by 80 per cent from 2008 levels, and nitrous oxide emissions by 53 per cent. Mercury emissions would be reduced by at least 90 per cent no later than 2015. Nationwide trading systems for sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions would be introduced, while the EPA would regulate omissions of Mercury.

The last time that the Clean Air Act was revised was in 1990, when a cap and trade scheme was introduced. Although the EPA has tried to introduce further regulations on this and other gases, legal challenges have blocked them.