US proposes effluent trading policy

Haznews, March, 1996

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to establish a national policy on effluent permit trading. Under the proposed policy, pollutant reductions and/or water quality improvements can be traded. A source that is more cost-effective in achieving greater than required pollutant reduction would be able to sell or trade the "credits" for its excess reduction to another source which is unable to reduce its own pollutants as cheaply. To ensure that water quality standards are met throughout a watershed, an equivalent or greater water pollutant reduction must result from such a trade, says the Agency.

Although the policy will represent guidance only and will not establish or affect legal rights or obligations, the EPA will actively support and promote...

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