You are here:
ACID RAIN
Citation:
ACID RAIN. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/9-79/036 (NTIS PB81157794).
Description:
Acid precipitation has become one of the major environmental problems of this decade. It is a challenge to scientists throughout the world. Researchers from such diverse disciplines as plant pathology, soil science, bacteriology, meteorology and engineering are investigating different aspects of acid precipitation. Despite some unknowns, the preponderance of our evidence to date points to the need to control the emissions of acid-forming sulfur and nitrogen compounds. Given the potential for damage from acid precipitation, prudence dictates that we act soon to avoid far more serious problems in the future. EPA's regulatory standards for new power plants and motor vehicles are a major step in the right direction. Further steps may be required in the near future. This background document tells what we know - and don't know - about acid precipitation.