Following a national trend to improve water quality, Louisiana has approved a measure to implement a pollution credit-trading program. Once finalized, the program will allow factories, farms, and sewer plants to offset its pollution by purchasing credits from another entity that has achieved their targeted pollutant reduction.
Known as “water quality credit trading”, the program has become popular with states seeking an incentive-based approach to tackling water pollution. States such as North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Ohio have utilized the program for years, with good results.[1]
In an interview with The Times-Picayune (NOLA), Amanda Vincent, water permits manager for the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) stressed the popularity of the program. “You’re seeing interest in this across the country. It’s another tool for water quality improvement. It brings in a voluntary aspect.”[2]
As NOLA describes, the program would work like this: “A large cattle ranch with excess manure takes steps to reduce runoff into the Mississippi River by developing a planted buffer or managing its waste better. The ranch would then earn credits that it could then sell or trade to a coal power plant or other pollution source that has failed to meet water quality standards. For the coal plant, buying credits might be cheaper than cleaning up its act.”[3]
According the program’s draft document (see here), the final regulation is planned for release in late 2019. The LA DEQ is accepting comments on the draft document and suggestions for pilot project tests until February 28, 2018.[4]
[1] Baurick, Trista. Louisiana crafts rules for buying and selling water pollution credits. January 9, 2018. Web. http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2018/01/state_crafts_rules_for_buying.html
[2] Baurick. Louisiana crafts rules for buying and selling water pollution credits. http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2018/01/state_crafts_rules_for_buying.html
[3] Baurick. Louisiana crafts rules for buying and selling water pollution credits. http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2018/01/state_crafts_rules_for_buying.html
[4] Schleifstein, Mark. Louisiana water pollution credit sales plan draws questions. January 24, 2018. Web. http://www.nola.com/environment/index.ssf/2018/01/louisiana_water_pollution_cred.html
Picture Reference: Flickr, US Department of Agriculture