EPA gives go-ahead to VOCs/NO_x trading

摘要

To cut air pollution and encourage emissions trading, EPA is expected to release a proposal by August to speed approval of purchases and sales of credits for ozone precursors nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). More companies want the flexibility to buy and sell emissions credits, said Bill Hamilton, Merck & Co. director of New Jersey environmental affairs. Several states have started to establish these programs for VOCs and NO_x to help meet ozone nonattainment requirements. Recently, Merck bought 10 tons of NO_x credits from Public Service Electric and Gas Co. to bring its Rahway, NJ, facility into compliance with permit limits and to set the stage for NO_x trades in the state.