On July 6, 2011, the EPA finalized its new Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, aimed at addressing the problem of the movement of air pollution across state boundaries. Senator Carper spoke before the Ozone Transport Commission in June 2011 to demonstrate his support for the rule based on its benefits for the environment and public health at the national, regional, and state level. The Rule requires a number of states on the eastern half of the U.S. to significantly reduce air pollution and improve air quality by cutting back emissions from power plants, which often contribute to ozone and fine particulate pollution in downwind states.
The main gases targeted by the rule are sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide, which when released into the atmosphere form fine particles and ground level ozone. These two pollutants can then be carried across state lines by wind and weather patterns. In addition to contributing to smog and acid rain, these particulates also are associated with a variety of health hazards, ranging in severity from asthma and chronic bronchitis to premature death. The EPA estimates that the health and welfare benefits of implementing this rule are between $120 and $290 billion for the year 2014.
1 This number includes the value of avoiding tens of thousands of premature deaths nationwide, and far outweighs the cost of implementation, which is only $2.8 billion annually.
What this means for Delaware:
Currently, Delaware is not one of the States subject to the new Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. Delaware has made great strides in achieving power plant sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions reductions. In spite of these accomplishments, the State has not reached national standards for ozone and fine particle pollution since the 1970s. Much of this has to do with the fact that upwind states have been slow to reduce their contributions to air pollution which crosses state borders. In fact, according to Senator Carper's address to the Ozone Transport Committee in June, roughly 90% of Delaware's pollution comes from out of state. This new rule aims to curb the movement of pollution from state to state, and Delaware stands to benefit from reduced emissions in neighboring states impacted by the rule.
For more information on Senator Carper's position about the new rule,
click here.
DNS's position on the issue:
The Delaware Nature Society fully supports the new Cross-State Air Pollution rule. Air pollution from power plants is a persistent, regional issue that threatens public health, the environment, and the economy. The new rule will curb the negative impacts that air pollution has on downwind states like Delaware, making air throughout the state cleaner and healthier for all.
For information on the Transport rule from the EPA, click here.
1. http://www.epa.gov/airtransport/
