Health and Environmental Groups Praise New Emissions Regulations

By Pat Bradley

Washington, D.C. – 21 years ago, Congress passed the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments mandating that EPA regulate toxic air emissions. The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards rule was announced Wednesday via webcast by EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.

The announcement of the implementation of the Clean Air rules was made at the Children's National Medical Center, to emphasize their health ramifications. American Lung Association Healthy Air Campaign Director Peter Iwanowicz says the new emissions rules will mean a healthier Northeast.

The Adirondack Mountain Club was part of a coalition that challenged a previous rule that led to these new regulations. Executive Director Neil Woodworth says he was surprised to learn that 60 percent of coal-burning power plants already have mercury and toxics removal technology installed.

According to a poll by the Associated Press, of the 1,300 coal-and oil-fired units, about 32 plants will be forced to shut down and 36 more might shutter in the wake of the new rules. The EPA is allowing three years for utilities to install emission reduction technologies, and will allow local permitting authorities another year if needed for compliance. Bracewell and Guiliani represents energy companies. Environmental Strategies Group Director Jeff Holmstead.

The EPA estimates that 46-thousand short term and 8-thousand long-term utility jobs will be created to meet the new Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. The agency also estimates that for every dollar spent to reduce pollution from power plants, there will be 9 dollars gained in health benefits.