COALITION UNVEILS STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING SOUTHEASTERN AIR QUALITY

(7 May, 2002 — Raleigh, NC) A coalition of environmental organizations today issued recommendations to help guide Southeastern states in the development of policies that will curtail excessive energy consumption and improve regional air quality and public health. N.C. Governor Mike Easley is hosting a Southeastern governors meeting to discuss regional air quality issues and adoption of state actions to curtail energy use and reduce air pollution in Charlotte, N.C., on May 10.

In a report titled “Blueprint for Breathing Easier: Southeast Energy Strategy for Clean Air,” Environmental Defense, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) and the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) recommend 11 strategies that can be used by governors, lawmakers and regulators to ensure that energy generation is clean and air quality is healthier. Get complete report.

The report addresses air quality in 10 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Among its recommendations, the report calls on states to reduce pollution from coal-fired power plants and set emission standards for nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. Unlike President Bush’s energy plan that encourages reliance on fossil fuels, the report emphasizes energy efficiency, conservation and the use of renewable resources such as wind and solar energy.

“The Southeast has the opportunity to lead the nation in developing an energy supply system that is reliable, economical and environmentally superior,” said Michael Shore, southeast air quality manager for Environmental Defense. “States must take responsibility for protecting citizen health by cutting harmful air pollution. As a first step, every Southeastern state should adopt a clean smokestacks plan for reducing harmful emissions from outdated power plants. Southeastern states also should work together to develop a regional, multi-pollutant plan to protect public health by improving air quality.”

“Last year governors from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee adopted a set of southern air principles designed to improve air quality in the region,” said Jeff Gleason, SELC deputy director. “That was a good beginning, but now is the time for coordinated and comprehensive action. Southeastern states have opportunities and obligations to their citizens to integrate energy and air quality planning and policy. As a starting point, states must work to reduce their reliance on coal.”

“Southeastern states are in a strong position to expand the use of clean renewable sources of power, such as solar and wind,” said Steve Smith, SACE director. “When championed by governors and other top leaders, sometimes even modest incentives to use these renewable resources can provide the impetus for changing to cleaner energy technologies. Energy in the Southeast can be produced in ways that are good for public health, the environment and the economy.”