"Tough New Clean-Air Rules Will Target Drifting Pollution"

"Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson is expected to announce tough new regulations Thursday that seek to significantly reduce emissions from many coal-fired power plants.

The new measures will cover plants in as many as 28 states whose pollution blows into other states. They are expected to save 14,000 to 36,000 lives a year, says Janice Nolen of the American Lung Association. But various business groups and some congressional Republicans are calling them job-killing and unnecessary.

The Clean Air Transport Rule addresses the problem of coal-fired power plants in some states creating pollution that drifts into other states, which EPA is required to address under the Clean Air Act. Under the regulation, plants in affected states will begin reducing emissions in 2012.

By 2014 the new regulations are expected to reduce sulfur dioxide by 73% and reduce nitrogen oxides by 54% from 2005 levels. These emissions can form fine-particle pollution and smog, both of which are particularly dangerous to people with lung and heart disease."

Elizabeth Weise reports for USA TODAY July 6, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"After Long Battle, EPA to Unveil Rules for Cutting Smog from Coal Plants" (Reuters)

"EPA To Unveil Final Clean Air Transport Rule Next Week" (E2 Wire)

OPINION: "Every Day of EPA Standards Delay Means More Deaths, Children at Risk" (Chillicothe Gazette)

OPINION: "EPA's New Clean Air Transport Rule Threatens Texas' Economic Success" (Midland Reporter-Telegram)