The Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing a provision in the clean air act that could change air pollution requirements for power plants and other industrial sources. At the same time, the federal government is considering a withdrawal from air pollution lawsuits against power plants. While no EPA proposal is expected until September, state officials and environmentalists are concerned new policies could increase risk to New Hampshire?s health and environment. NHPR's Dan Gorenstein reports.
The EPA's New Source Review program requires older power plants to install pollution control equipment when they make major upgrades. But when power companies have made changes, they claim its nothing more than routine maintenance. Many northeastern states disagree. New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Jeff Underhill says the power companies are abusing the spirit of the program. He says it?s like replacing the engine to your car and still calling it old.
6:18 the old grandfather plant should wear out, and they should be replaced, in this case, they are finding a way to keep them going, without investing a lot and allowing them to operate without pollution controls.
In 1999, Attorneys General from nine states, including NH, filed suit against plants in the Midwest for violating the Clean Air Act. Marueen Smith in the New Hampshire Attorney General?s office explains.
6:50 Yes, the Attorney General has filed suit against American Electric Power, based on major modifications that were made at about 11 of its power plants, that violated the clean air act, resulted in increased emissions and is affecting our state.
The lawsuit against American Electric Power, filed jointly by the states and EPA, could be in jeopardy, if the federal government decides they have no legal basis to be involved in such suits. Governor Jeanne Shaheen is disturbed by the possibility of the any such action by the federal government and says NH needs the federal assistance.
Last week EPA Administrator Chritie Whitman announced the agency will propose an air pollution strategy in Septmeber. For NHPR News, Im DG
