EMC Vote Puts North Carolina Health At Risk, Says Environmental Defense

Environmental Defense today criticized the NC Environmental Management Commission (EMC) and Gov. Jim Hunt for failing to require the state’s outdated coal-burning power plants to meet modern emissions standards and reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution by 80%. The EMC voted instead to adopt a compromise rule that will require utility companies to lower dangerous NOx pollution by only 68% based on 1998 emission levels.

“A 68% reduction is a step in the right direction, but it is well documented that an 80% reduction is required to protect our health, our economy and our environment,” said Michael Shore, southeast air quality manager for Environmental Defense. “Comments from the public overwhelmingly supported strict clean air standards, but the EMC failed to listen to citizens. This plan sides with the power plants, rather than the people.”

During recent months North Carolinians flooded the EMC with more than 12,000 letters calling for tighter control on NOx emissions, which lead to the creation of smog. North Carolina has had the third highest smog level in the country in recent years, just behind California and Texas.

“We are extremely disappointed that the EMC did not use this opportunity to adequately reduce NOx emissions, a major source of environmental pollution and public health problems in our state,” said Shore. “Unfortunately, the state has failed to make a complete commitment to clean air.”