Aug 26: EPA Hearing on coal emissions

The U.S. EPA will hold a public hearing on the proposed Clean Air Transport Rule in Philadelphia -- this is our single best opportunity this year to get fossil-fuel burning power plants to clean up. This is a critical regulation for protecting public health, but it needs to be stronger. As a reminder, this rule requires the cleanup of emissions from coal-fired power plants, emissions that are transported across state boundaries. The rule focuses on nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), with impacts on ozone and fine particle pollution, and even has the potential to be helpful in fighting mercury pollution in concert with another rule expected out in February. GASP will be organizing a road trip to Philadelphia to testify at the hearing and prior to that we'll send out talking points to assist interested individuals in formulating their comments. Even with the Clean Air Transport Rule in place, Allegheny County is projected by EPA to be the only county to continue to violate both the old 1997 PM2.5 standard and the 2006 PM2.5 standard. Allegheny County has the most to gain by calling for a STRONG Clean Air Transport Rule. Let us know at gasp@gasp-pgh.org if you are interested in traveling with GASP and speaking at the hearing. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Radisson Plaza - Warwick Hotel Philadelphia, 1701 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA