Courts clear EPA to address interstate air pollution under Clean Air Act

By on November 21, 2014
Emissions from coal-burning power plant (Credit: U.S. Department of Energy)

Emissions from coal-burning power plant (Credit: U.S. Department of Energy)


Following a multi-year legal struggle, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency won the right to begin a new program aimed at reducing pollution that goes across state lines, according to a story in Chemical & Engineering News.

The nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide emitted from power plants in 28 states will be target under the new program. Pollution in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S. will be affected by the new rules.

The EPA persisted in the face of a D.C. Circuit Court ruling in December 2011, which put the program on hold. The Supreme Court, however, determined that the EPA correctly interpreted the Clean Air Act’s good neighbor provision. After the Supreme Court ruling, the program was revived.

Top image: Emissions from coal-burning power plant (Credit: U.S. Department of Energy)

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