When sulfur and nitrogen oxides are emitted into the atmosphere, they quickly oxidize and turn into gaseous acids, then return to the earth as acidic compounds in what we call acid rain. On any ecosystem, precipitation falls and has detrimental effects. When it falls into a body of water, it increases the pH, decreasing the fish population and biodiversity. Likewise, on the forest floor, it increases the acidity of the soil, weakening trees and other plants. Sulfur and nitrogen oxides are emitted into the environment from natural and artificial sources. The largest contributor to these man-made emissions comes from the combustion of fossil fuels in coal-fired power plants used in many countries around the world, primarily the United States, Russia, India, and China. In the United States, the acid rain debate took place in the 1980s and 2000s among environmental organizations, the coal and utility industries over whether these power plants should have more stringent pollution restrictions. ^1 This was a very public debate addressed by many people; scientific and political included. All advocates used the media to defend and share their arguments. Public awareness of this controversy was enough to put pressure on the government and bring about positive change. There was no doubt that acid rain harmed the environment, but some would have debated that there was not enough scientific evidence. acid rain. While environmentalists argued that the burning of fossil fuels was, and still is, the main cause and any means to reduce omissions should be taken, regardless of the higher costs to power plants. Even with enough evidence to identify increased acid deposition during coal burning, it was a difficult problem...... middle of paper ...... in June 1989, new President George Bush proposed making amendments to the Clean Air Act, legislation aimed at reducing air pollution. The law was passed in 1990, mandating higher emissions for all industrial sources of air pollution. These guidelines required industries to develop and use new sulfur-emitting technologies and strategies. Like burning low sulfur coal, removing sulfur from coal and installing sulfur scrubbers in their factories. Thanks to the media, this law was able to see the light of day and sulfur emissions have decreased by 50% since the 1980s. However, acid rain remains a problem. It was overshadowed, forgotten and lost its publicity. It is tragic that an issue must be threatened to get the necessary media coverage. But when a scandal as big as the acid rain debate arises, it's astonishing how much positive change the power of the press can bring about...