Environmental Defense Salutes Passage Of Clean Smokestacks Bill

(18 June 2002 — Raleigh) Environmental Defense today praised the N.C. General Assembly for passage of the Clean Smokestacks Bill, landmark legislation that will deeply cut harmful emissions from the state’s 14 coal-fired power plants. The Senate gave final approval to the bill today. The House overwhelmingly endorsed the legislation on June 12.

The bill is based largely on the N.C. Clean Smokestacks Plan, which was developed by a coalition of environmental groups in March 2001. Over the next decade, the bill will require emission cuts in year-round nitrogen oxides by 78% and sulfur dioxide by 73%. Controlling these pollutants will also substantially reduce mercury emissions by more than 65%.

“The leadership from the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Nesbitt and Senator Metcalf, and from Speaker Black and President Pro Tempore Basnight, has been especially critical in achieving this great legislation,” said Jane Preyer, director of the North Carolina office of Environmental Defense.

“North Carolina has been waiting with bated breath for passage of this bill,” said Michael Shore, Southeast air quality manager for Environmental Defense. “Southeast states have been watching North Carolina closely, and this legislation sends a clear message to the region and the nation. North Carolina is serious about protecting the health of its citizens by improving air quality.”

“Most of North Carolina’s pollution is produced in state. Now North Carolina is cleaning its own house with the Clean Smokestacks legislation and can challenge other states in the region to follow suit,” said Shore. “There are more than 150 coal-fired power plants contributing to air pollution in the Southeast, which have a direct impact on air quality in neighboring, downwind states.”

“More than 33 million Southeasterners live in counties with unhealthy air. Air pollution from power plants is estimated to cost the Southeast over $20 billion in morbidity and mortality costs annually. Smog triggers an estimated 1.7 million asthma attacks and particulate matter, tiny particles emitted from coal-fired power plants, causes an estimated 11,000 deaths each year,” said Shore.