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EMD-81-131 1 (1981-09-11)

handle is hein.gao/gaobabcjr0001 and id is 1 raw text is: 





1RERORT BY I


Comptroller General


OF THE UNITED STATES


The Debate Over Acid Precipitation:

         --Opposing Views

         --Status Of Research


The use of coal as a substitute for imported oil is raising
concern over the possible impact of acid precipitation
on the environment and human health. Precipitation can
become acidified when sulfur and nitrogen oxides emit-
ted by fossil-fueled powerplants, vehicles, and other
man-made or natural sources are chemically changed in
the atmosphere and return to earth as acid compounds.
Environmental organizations and some agencies and
interest groups contend that more stringent emission
controls are needed immediately. On the other hand,
some agencies and many industries, particularly in the
coal and utility sectors, argue that much more research
is needed to determine if achievable emissions reduc-
tions could significantly diminish the extent of acid
precipitation, and if the benefits of such regulations
would be worth their potentially high cost.
Although there is significant  disagreement between
advocates on opposing sides of the issue, misleading and
inaccurate statements have added greatly to the confu-
sion of the debate. This interim report on a more com-
prehensive GAO study seeks to clarify areas of agree-
ment and disagreement between parties in the debate,
summarize the state of scientific understanding, and
report on onoing research which will aid in making
informed decisions on possible Government action.



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        EMD-81-131
SEPTEMBER 11, 1981


116306


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