Other areas that fail to attain standards for particulate matter may be required to limit the use of wood stoves and fireplaces and to impose stiffer controls on industry. In addition, emissions of 189 air toxics must be reduced by the turn of the century. Companies that achieve reductions of emissions before the regulations are proposed can receive six-year extensions to comply with the standard. EPA has estimated that overall health risks, including risk of cancer, respiratory disease, heart ailments, and reproductive disorders, will decline significantly once MACT controls are installed. The CAA Amendments also look beyond the U.S. to reduce acid rain and address loss of stratospheric ozone.
Sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants are a major source of acid rain.
Under a new two-phase system, these emissions will be cut in half by the year 2000. Power plants will be issued emission allowances which can be banked or traded. If emissions exceed the allowances held, the power plant must pay a penalty. CFCs are commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners. Working in consultation with state and local governments, EPA bears primary responsibility for this sweeping legislation.