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Canada - United States Air Quality Agreement

2002 Progress Report

SECTION V  Conclusion

Continued success is being achieved both in Canada and in the United States in reducing emissions of SO₂ and NO_x, the major contributors of acid rain. Acid rain was the original focus of cooperative transboundary efforts under the 1991 Canada–U.S. Air Quality Agreement, and both countries continue to be on target for meeting reduction requirements for these pollutants.

Since the 1997 signing of the commitment to develop a Joint Plan of Action for Addressing Transboundary Air Pollution, both governments have expanded their commitments to address transboundary flows of air pollution to include ground-level ozone and PM.

The signing of the Ozone Annex to the Canada–U.S. Air Quality Agreement in December 2000 represents an achievement that will address transboundary flows of ground-level ozone and precursor pollutants in eastern Canada and the eastern United States. Both countries are on track to meet their emission reduction obligations in addition to their joint analysis and reporting commitments.

Cooperation between the two countries on transboundary smog issues is rich and complex. Joint efforts are underway from the East, where the Ozone Annex is currently focused, to the West, where the Georgia Basin-Puget Sound airshed discussions are underway. Other cooperative efforts are evaluating the scope and nature of the transboundary PM issue, tracking air quality and industrial emissions, and exploring emissions trading.