Environmental Defense Calls On States To Reduce NOx Emissions

(18 December 2002 — Raleigh, NC)  Environmental Defense today issued a report showing that 21 eastern states can reap more than $1 billion annually in public health benefits by reducing dangerous nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from power plants year-round, rather than just the summertime months mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  “A Plan for All Seasons: Costs and Benefits of Year-Round NOx Reductions in Eastern States” shows operating pollution control equipment year-round to reduce NOx and other pollutants will cost power plants only 27% more while doubling the health benefits for each state.  The complete report is available at www.environmentaldefense.org/go/noxreport.

“Polluted air is unhealthy to breathe in January or July, and policy makers in eastern states should make a New Year’s resolution to reduce NOx emissions all year long, not just during summer months,” said Michael Shore, southeast air quality manager for Environmental Defense.  “Utility companies in many eastern states are installing pollution control equipment, but few facilities intend to operate this equipment year-round, even though NOx contributes to a suite of public health and environmental problems throughout the year.  Once capital investments are made, the cost of operating the equipment 12 months rather than only five months is relatively small while the public health benefits, including reduced illness and mortality, are huge.”

Only a handful of states — North Carolina, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Texas — have instituted policies to curb NOx and other pollutants throughout the year. 

“As states take action to control NOx and other power plant pollutants year-round, a domino effect will be created, encouraging other states to follow examples set by regional neighbors.  As more states adopt rigorous standards, EPA will have proven models and a more favorable climate in which to examine air quality policies, making comprehensive action at the federal level more likely,” said Shore.

NOx pollution, along with sulfur dioxide, contributes to more than 20,000 deaths each year in 21 eastern states.   NOx emissions also contribute to a host of year-round environmental problems, from acid rain and haze in the mountain regions to oxygen depletion in coastal estuaries that degrades water quality and harms fish.