A loophole in clean-air regulations allowed a coal plant to collect emissions allowances for five years after it shut down and then sell those credits to other plants, including the largest emitter of smog-causing gases, nitrogen oxides, in the U.S. power sector. In a nutshell:This practice has raised concerns about the effectiveness of cap-and-trade programs in reducing air pollution. Key quote:Elena Krieger, who oversees scientific research at PSE Healthy Energy, a California-based policy institute, was shocked when she learned about the retired-plant credits. Cap-and-trade emissions trading schemes have proved popular, but research shows that there can be unintended consequences for communities near facilities that use the allowances to continue polluting. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are linked to higher rates of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, cancer and premature death.

Source: New York Times April 24, 2023 00:34 UTC