EPA Proposes Rule to Reduce SO2 and NOx

On July 6, EPA proposed a Cap-and-Trade program to reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from power plants in 31 eastern and midwestern states as well as the District of Columbia.  Among the major highlights of the recent proposal are expected health benefits and costs, asserting that “today’s action would yield more than $120 billion in annual health benefits in 2014, including avoiding an estimated 14,000 to 36,000 premature deaths, 23,000 nonfatal heart attacks, 21,000 cases of acute bronchitis, 240,000 cases of aggravated asthma, 1.9 million days when people miss school or work due to ozone and particle pollution-related symptoms.”  Because EPA estimates the annual cost of compliance with this rule to be $2.8 billion, the benefits greatly outweigh the costs. 

How does this proposal compare to the former administration’s CAIR expectations?

• EPA projects today’s proposal will reduce covered power plant emission in 2012 to 4.1 million tons of SO2 and 1.6 million tons of NOx.  In contrast, the prior CAIR initiative expected to reduce emissions to 5.1 million tons of SO2 and 1.7 million tons of NOx in 2012.
• EPA projects the proposal will reduce power plant emissions in 2014 to 3.3 million tons of SO2 and 1.6 million tons of NOx.  CAIR had been expected by 2014 to reduce covered power plant emissions to 4.6 million tons of SO2 and 1.7 million tons of NOx.

Will this affect you and how?  Contact our staff of Regulatory experts and allow us to help you determine how this new proposal may affect you so you can start planning today. 

Contact ESC today at 865.688.7900.