EPA.(2022, December 14).Acid Rain Program Results https://www.epa.gov/acidrain/acid-rain-program-results 

 

Over the decade, because of the Acid Rain Program (ARP), we have seen a significant reduction in sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions. Along with the Cross-State air pollution rule and the constantly changing energy sector, the ARP has reduced SO2 levels down 93% as well as NOx levels down 87%. The great reduction in emissions has led to a major reduction in acid rain as it has dropped 68% between the years 1989-91 and 2017-19. Another program, The long term monitoring program, has been observing and analyzing multiple water surfaces to track the effects of acidic rain. The data they gathered showed a major decrease in sulfate deposition as well as an 81% improvement in many of the bodies of water they tracked. Their goal is to stay on track and hopefully help to continue to prevent the effects of acid rain. 

 

This article shows the major steps we are taking to prevent and slow down the effects of acid rain. Acid rain, leaving a large impact on our environments, needs to be prioritized and carefully monitored as it can lead to serious long term effects. According to the EPA’s latest data however it seems we are headed in the right direction. This is much better news compared to other articles from earlier in the year and even a couple recent articles. This gives me some much needed relief as all I’ve read has been how acid rain has been increasing in some areas of the world and how habitats are falling because of the effects.