EDF helps secure air pollution victory

EDF scored a major victory over air pollution this summer, when the Obama administration announced a new rule to slash emissions from coal-burning plants in 27 Eastern states.

EDF was instrumental in both securing the new rule, in part through the work of our North Carolina office, and defending it in court.

Rule curbs pollution across state lines

The Cross-State Air Pollution Rule tightens the amount of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen pollution that coal-burning plants in the 27 states can release.

The pollution drifts across state borders and contributes to dangerous particulate pollution, smog and acid rain.

Over the next three years, power plants in the states will need to cut sulfur dioxide emissions—the prime cause of acid rain—73%, and nitrogen oxides 54%.

Starting in 2014, the rule will save up to 34,000 lives and prevent 19,000 in hospital and emergency room visits each year.

Polluters on the attack, we're fighting back

Industry lobbyists and their allies in Congress are mounting a furious counterattack to delay the rule’s date of inception from January 2012 to at least 2013.

EDF is responding with a strong lobbying campaign, and we are coordinating our efforts with electric utilities that support the clean air rules.

Next: Cleaner air nation-wide

Big, industrial polluters and their political allies are attacking the Clean Air Act.

Don't let the polluters win! »