When sulfur and nitrogen oxides are emitted into the atmosphere, they rapidly oxidize and convert to acid gas, then return to the earth as acidic compounds in what is known as rain acidic. Damaging effects can be seen on any ecosystem precipitation falls. When it falls into a body of water it increases the pH, decreasing the fish population and biodiversity. Similarly on forest soil it increases the acidity of the soil weakening trees and other plants. Sulfur and nitrogen oxides are emitted into the environment from both natural and artificial sources. The major anthropogenic contribution to these emissions comes from the combustion of fossil fuels that occurs in coal-fired energy production plants used in many countries around the world, particularly in the United States, Russia, India and China. In the United States between the 1980s and 2000s, acid rain debate took place among environmental organizations, the coal and utility sectors as to whether these power plants should have stricter pollution restrictions. ^1 It was a very public debate addressed by many; including scientists and politicians. All supporters used the media to defend and share their arguments. The increase in public awareness of the controversy was enough to put pressure on the government and cause positive change. There was no argument that acid rain was harming the environment, but some would argue that there was not enough scientific evidence to support reducing emissions that would reduce the occurrence of acid rain. While environmentalists argued that fossil fuel consumption was, and still is, the root cause and that any way to reduce omissions should be adopted regardless of the increased costs to power plants. Even with sufficient evidentiary support to identify increased acid deposits from coal burning, this was a different matter…middle of paper…in June 1989 new President George Bush proposed making amendments to the Clean Air Act, legislation passed to reduce air pollution. The law was passed in 1990 and requires higher emissions for all industrial sources of air pollution. These guidelines have forced industries to develop and employ new technologies and strategies for sulfur emission. Such as burning low-sulfur coal, removing sulfur from coal, and installing sulfur scrubbers in their factories. Through the media this act has been possible and sulfur emissions have decreased by 50% since the 1980s. However, acid rain remains a problem. It has been overshadowed, forgotten and lost its publicity. It is tragic that a problem should threaten to get the coverage you need. But when a scandal as big as the acid rain debate occurs, it's amazing what positive change the power of the press can achieve..