Air pollution often originates in one state or country but causes health and crop damage in other areas. For example, mercury from Midwestern power plants is harming plants, water, and health in eastern states. How should states, or countries, negotiate the cost of controlling these pollutants?

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that is not the answer because the question is posted by tony on friday, july 2,2010 at 8:39 pm.

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Negotiating the cost of controlling pollutants that have transboundary impacts can be a complex task for states or countries. Here's a general approach to how these negotiations could take place:

1. Identify the pollutant and its impacts: Firstly, it is essential to identify the specific pollutant causing the transboundary effects, as well as the affected areas and their associated damages. In this case, it is mercury originating from Midwestern power plants and affecting plants, water, and health in eastern states.

2. Quantify the damages: The affected states need to estimate the extent of the damages caused by the pollutant. This can involve assessing the impact on crop yields, public health, healthcare costs, and any other relevant factors. It helps to have scientific research and data to support these estimations.

3. Determine responsibility: The next step is to establish the responsibility for the pollutant's emission. This involves understanding which states or countries are the major sources and thus have a greater impact on the transboundary pollution.

4. Assess control measures: Once responsibility is determined, each state or country should evaluate the potential control measures available to reduce the pollutant's emissions. This might include implementing cleaner technologies, emission controls, or alternative energy sources. The cost and effectiveness of these measures should be considered.

5. Cost-sharing agreements: After assessing control measures, negotiations should focus on cost-sharing agreements. This involves determining the financial burden each responsible state or country is willing to undertake for implementing the necessary control measures. Factors such as each entity's ability to pay, economic impact, and historical emissions can influence the distribution of costs.

6. Mitigation and compensation: Besides the cost of implementation, negotiations may also address compensation for past damages and ongoing mitigation efforts. This can involve financial contributions, technology transfers, sharing best practices, or providing other forms of assistance to the affected states or countries.

7. International cooperation: As air pollution often transcends national boundaries, international cooperation is crucial. Establishing frameworks, agreements, or institutions to facilitate negotiations and compliance monitoring can enhance the effectiveness of the negotiation process and ensure long-term cooperation.

It is important to note that actual negotiation processes may vary significantly depending on the specific context, legal frameworks, and political dynamics involved. Nonetheless, these general steps provide an overview of how states or countries can approach negotiating the costs of controlling transboundary pollutants.