Allocating Sulfur Dioxide Emission Reductions for Acid Deposition Control: An Assignment Problem Formulation

Abstract

The allocation of sulfur dioxide emission reductions for the purpose of controlling acid deposition has been based on several criteria, one of which is minimization of the cost of control measures. The paper reviews two of the most well known methodological approaches and suggests a new one based on the prototype idea of the assignment problem. The assignment problem formulation addresses the question of how to assign one and only one emissions reduction amount to one and only one source region within a system of regions relevant for the control of acid deposition, in a way that minimizes the total costs of control. The methodology based on this framework is described and the analytical procedure to be followed in applications is detailed. An illustrative example of the application of the methodology and its sensitivity to different deposition and control cost structures is given. The paper concludes with remarks on the proposed methodology and suggestions for further research.

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