May 1 to reduce air pollution that cause ground-level ozone to form. Emissions trading uses market forces to reduce the overall cost of compliance for sources of nitrogen oxides, while maintaining emission reductions and environmental benefits. To date, OTC estimates that about 25,000 tons of nitrogen oxide emissions have been reduced beyond state requirements. Emission brokers have already negotiated agreements for the sale of credits on May 1.
Nitrogen oxides are one of the key components that leads to the formation of ground-level ozone.