NC Environmental Defense Calls On Environmental Management Commission To Require Strict NOx Reductions At Oct. 12 Meeting

North Carolina Environmental Defense has called on the NC Environmental Management Commission (EMC) to require the state’s coal-burning power plants to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 80%. The state’s growing ozone problem makes it critical for the EMC to require far-reaching pollution cuts at the commission’s next meeting.

“In recent years North Carolina has had the third highest smog level in the country, just behind California and Texas,” said Michael Shore, southeastern air quality manager for Environmental Defense. “North Carolina should not wait until it is number one in smog to require outdated utility plants to comply with modern emission standards. Now is the time for the EMC to pass a permanent rule on NOx emissions and adopt the strongest measures to improve North Carolina air quality.”

Environmental Defense has asked the rule-making body to make its final decision on NOx reductions at its October 12 meeting. Shore called public support for the 80% reduction “overwhelming,” noting that more than 1,200 people attended a series of public hearings on NOx plans this summer. The public also filed more than 10,000 written comments, 95% of which supported strict clean air standards.

“If the EMC fails to make a decision this month, then the reductions are not guaranteed,” said Shore. “This is a landmark decision and a real test of the state’s commitment to protecting our air quality.”

Environmental Defense also has asked the EMC to adopt a temporary rule to reduce NOx emissions from stationary sources outside the utility industry, including the state’s largest factories, and to implement strategies to reduce emissions from cars and other mobile sources. The US Environmental Protection Agency is requiring the state to develop plans that incorporate these measures by October 31.