EPA OFFICIAL SAYS CAIR PARTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR RISE IN SO2 CREDIT VALUE

The value of sulfur dioxide (SO2) allowances issued under EPA's acid rain program has almost tripled compared to last year's figure. An agency official says a key factor is the tighter SO2 caps under the agency's clean air interstate rule (CAIR). At EPA's March 28 auction of SO2 allowances, the average bid price for an allowance that can be used this year was $702, almost three times the average 2004 bid price of $272. The average price at the agency's...