Pivotal Clean Air Case Before Supreme Court

The Supreme Court will decide on a pivotal clean air case today – Environmental Defense v. Duke Energy Corp. – on if a power company must install costly pollution controls on its aging coal-fired plants.  The outcome of the case could affect three dozen power plans in 10 states.  The enforcement program is aimed at reducing power plant emissions of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide that contribute to smog and acid rain.

According to NPR, some companies like Dominion Power in Virginia have decided to cooperate with the EPA and are installing $1.5 billion dollars’ worth of pollution controls in the next 3 years that will decrease plant emissions by 80%.  Tampa Electric has also decided to cooperate with the EPA rather than pay the litigation costs. 

by
Erin Swanson
ESwanson@enviance.com