The Debate Over Acid Precipitation: Opposing Views and Status of Research

GAO undertook an analysis of the acid rain phenomenon by examining the current state of knowledge on the subject; the type of information that can be expected from the scientific work in progress; and the likely consequences for energy development, the environment, and economic development should regulatory action be taken now instead of waiting until more information is available. Acid precipitation may be one of the most polarized yet least understood energy/environmental issues of the 1980's. Its implications for environmental quality and national energy policy may be profound and could have international implications. It is contended that acid precipitation is causing a wide range of damage to the environment and may indirectly damage human health. Many environmental interests have called for immediate adoption of more stringent emission controls, especially for coal-fired powerplants. Coal interests, utility industries, and some researchers have claimed that there is little scientific basis to substantiate these causes and effects. Broad agreement exists that certain areas in and around lakes are particularly vulnerable to acidification and that some lakes and streams in these areas are becoming increasingly acidic. However, present levels of aquatic damage are widely disputed. Damage to forests, crops, and soils is far less documented. Most acknowledge that acid precipitation can damage man-made materials such as buildings, statuary, metals, and surface finishes. There is no firm evidence that acid precipitation has affected human health by causing contamination of drinking water and edible fish. Participants in the debate disagree on whether the acidity of precipitation has been increasing, the sources of the pollution, and the efficacy of the research models.

The use of coal as a substitute for imported oil is raising concern over the possible impact of acid precipitation on the environment and human health. Precipitation can become acidified when sulfur and nitrogen oxides emitted by fossil-fueled powerplants, vehicles, and other man-made or natural sources are chemically changed in the atmosphere and return to earth as acid compounds. Environmental organizations and some agencies and interest groups contend that more stringent emission controls are needed immediately. On the other hand, some agencies and many industries, particularly in the coal and utility sectors, argue that much more research is needed to determine if achievable emissions reductions could significantly diminish the extent of acid precipitation, and if the benefits of such regulations would be worth their potentially high cost.

This collection of essays by noted academicians, lawyers, energy agency administrators, and research analysts focuses on the political and legal aspects of the acid rain debate, the policy options for resolving the controversy, and the international dimensions of acid rain control. The contributors highlight concerns drawn primarily from the developing study of acid rain in political science, economics, public administration, and policy analysis--concerns that are the focal point of the public debate over the nature, impact, and cost of acid rain and the mitigation of its effects. The book complements the impressive body of research from the natural sciences and responds to the need for applied study to help resolve the current policy stalemate on this critical environmental issue. The Acid Rain Debate features a comprehensive annotated bibliography on acid rain and relevant social science research.