"EPA Rule Seeks To Curb Long-Distance Air Pollution"

"In a sweeping move aimed at curbing long-distance air pollution that afflicts the health of 240 million Americans — including Marylanders — the Environmental Protection Agency is ordering power plants across much of the eastern United States to sharply curtail emissions.

The rule, announced Thursday, gives coal-fired plants in Maryland and 26 other states until 2014 to make steep reductions in emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, pollutants that contribute to serious health problems such as asthma, bronchitis and heart attacks. Maryland also would benefit because much of its air pollution comes from other states.

Some power companies warn that the requirement would force them to close their oldest plants. But others, including Baltimore-based Constellation Energy Group, say the reductions are warranted and manageable.

Timothy B. Wheeler reports for the Baltimore Sun July 7, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"EPA to Require New Pollution Cuts" (Wall St. Journal)

"Texas Fight With EPA Grows With Power-Plant Rule" (Reuters)

"E.P.A. Issues Tougher Rules for Power Plants" (New York Times)

"AEP Says Rates Likely To Rise From Pollution Rules" (AP)

"New EPA Rule Will Clean the Air for 240 Million Americans" (McClatchy)

"EPA Rule Aims To Cut Smog, Soot From Coal Plants" (Reuters)

"Map: Cutting Air Pollution Saves Lives" (Mother Jones)

"Clean Air, Mortality and Cost: A Thought Exercise" (New York Times)