News Releases - 2003

Emissions Reduction Market System Continues to Promote Major Reduction of Pollutants in Chicago Metro Area

Springfield, Ill. -- Industrial facilities participating in the Emissions Reduction Market System (ERMS) reduced their volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by 48 percent below their allotted emissions during 2002, Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano announced today.

"The Emissions Reduction Market System has consistently exceeded expectations and goals and continues to be an effective tool in improving air quality in the Chicago region," said Cipriano.

Participating sources reduced VOC emissions by 38 percent compared to their allotted emissions in 2000, the first year of the program, and by 47 percent in 2001. Allotted emissions generally represent a 12 percent reduction from sources' baseline emissions or VOCs emitted in the mid-1990s.

Cipriano noted ERMS was the first program in the nation of its kind (market-based cap and trade for VOCs) and has achieved its goals of significant reduction of pollutants while providing flexibility and cost-savings to the industrial participants during each of the three years it has been in operation.

The 172 participants include the largest VOC sources in the region, representing 23 different industrial categories. VOCs contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and also include many hazardous air pollutants. The ERMS program runs from May 1 through September 30, which correlates with the time of year when ozone formation occurs.

The ERMS program was approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 2001, and allowed the emission reductions to be officially credited towards the State's effort to achieve attainment of federal one-hour standard for ground-level ozone.

Detailed information on the 2002 program is contained in the 2002 Annual Performance Review Report for ERMS. The complete report is available at www.epa.state.il.us/air/erms/apr/2002/index.html.