Clean Air Interstate Rule Creates Mixed Opinions

Last week the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) affecting 27 states, including Texas:

“The rule seeks to protect the health of millions of Americans by helping states reduce air pollution and attain clean air standards. This rule, known as the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), requires 27 states to significantly improve air quality by reducing power plant emissions that contribute to ozone and/or fine particle pollution in other states.

This rule replaces EPA’s 2005 Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). A December 2008 court decision kept the requirements of CAIR in place temporarily but directed EPA to issue a new rule to implement Clean Air Act requirements concerning the transport of air pollution across state boundaries. This action responds to the court’s concerns.”
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The debate about whether it should have included Texas and the inequities of doing so, have been strong.  In response, there have been numerous articles and blog posts weighing options on both sides.  We’ve included a few below to keep our viewers informed.

From Reuters:

“Back in the winter of 1991, President George H.W. Bush traveled to Arizona to tell operators of a utility to clean up their coal-fired act so visitors could actually distinguish the state’s most famous and priceless landmark — the Grand Canyon.

Fast-forward 20 years. Views of the iconic chasm might be a bit less hazy but visibility at 150-plus of the nation’s other natural wonders is still limited because of power-plant pollution.

That scenario, however, is expected to begin clearing up soon. It’s happening because a handful of conservation organizations have spent decades doggedly prodding, tugging and cajoling the Environmental Protection Agency into meeting its Clean Air Act mandate to collaborate with states to reduce the regional haze that clouds views in 156 national parks and wilderness areas.”
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The Star-Telegram quoted Rick Perry, Governor of Texas voicing his opinion:

“[This] is another example of heavy-handed and misguided action from Washington, D.C., that threatens Texas jobs and families and puts at risk the reliable and affordable electricity our state needs to succeed.”
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The San Antonio Express showed concern from Texas air quality experts and state government leaders:

“Bryan Shaw, who chairs the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, found fault with the EPA’s data, saying it did not show a harmful impact on downwind states and would “only result in negative consequences.”

U.S. Rep. Gene Green, a Houston Democrat, also said he’s skeptical that Texas coal plants could achieve the required reductions for sulfur dioxide under the schedule in the rule, despite assurances from the EPA.

“I hope the EPA is not wrong in their assumption because Texans are the ones that are going to suffer,” he said.

The Texas Public Utility Commission estimated the standard could force 18 plants — many of which were built in the 1970s — to install expensive equipment, change fuel or prematurely retire.”
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