Cap and trade is an environmental policy tool that delivers results with a mandatory cap on emissions while providing sources flexibility in how they comply. Successful cap and trade programs reward innovation, efficiency, and early action and provide strict environmental accountability without inhibiting economic growth.
Examples of successful cap and trade programs include the nationwide Acid Rain Program and the regional NOx Budget Trading Program in the Northeast. Additionally, EPA issued the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) on March 10, 2005, to build on the success of these programs and achieve significant additional emission reductions.
Quick Facts About Cap and Trade
Select a map below to find out how these programs are reducing pollution.
Helpful Links
- Acid Rain Program
- Allowance Trading
- Cap and Trade Markets
- Cap and Trade Simulation
- Clean Air Interstate Rule
- Climate Change
- Environmental Monitoring
- Emissions Monitoring
- NOx Budget Trading Program
- Power Sector Analysis
- Progress and Results
- Resource Center
In the News
- Quarterly ARP Coal-fired Power Plant Emission Data: 2008 vs. 2010 now available.
- Acid Rain Program 2009 Emissions and Compliance Data Report. EPA is releasing a series of reports that evaluate progress under the Acid Rain Program (ARP) in 2009. The first report was released in August 2010, and will be followed by additional releases through December 2010.
- July 2010 EPA Multi-Pollutant Analyses: Alternative SO2 and NOx Caps. EPA’s analysis of the two scenarios for SO2 and NOx caps requested by Senator Carper. This information, along with analysis of EPA's regulatory approach to reducing emissions from the power sector, is available on this web page.
- On July 6, 2010, EPA signed a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Transport Rule.