EPA PROPOSES RULE TO FURTHER REDUCE FINE PARTICLE AND OZONE POLLUTION FROM 31 EASTERN STATES AND D.C.

EPA's newly announced Transport Rule proposes to significantly reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) from power plants in the eastern U.S. that cross state lines and are linked to illnesses and premature deaths.  By 2014, the rule would help reduce power plant SO2 emissions by 71 percent, and power plant NOx emissions by 52 percent.  EPA will take public comment on the proposal for 60 days after the rule is published in the Federal Register. Public hearings will be announced shortly.  The proposed rulemaking, planned to be finalized in June 2011, is available at www.epa.gov/airtransport .