Emission trading is a voluntary, market-based program designed to complement traditional pollution reduction measures. The federal 1990 Clean Air Act encourages trading as a way to provide cost savings and flexibility to industry while improving air quality. Michigan can sustain its economic growth while reducing the total amount of air pollution.
Industry saves money and the air is cleaner.
Everyone comes out ahead under this program. Market-based systems have been shown to cut compliance costs in half. Cost-effective flexibility to reduce emissions beyond what is already required will provide incentives for technological innovation to control, lower and quantify emissions. Our Air Quality Division specialists have done a tremendous job putting this framework in place. Their dialogue with involved industry representatives has evolved into a working, innovative program.