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Clean Smokestacks Act Benefits Update

Learn about the benefits of the Clean Smokestacks Act, including reductions in NOx and SO2 emissions, improvements in air quality, and co-benefits such as mercury emission reductions. This act has significantly helped in reducing pollution and improving overall environmental quality.

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Clean Smokestacks Act Benefits Update

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  1. Clean Smokestacks Act Benefits Update Division of Air Quality March 17, 2010

  2. Air Quality Management • Findings of the Southern Appalachian Mountains Initiative and subsequent regional modeling studies: • Reductions in NOx emissions are the most effective way to reduce ozone levels in NC and the Southeastern US • Reductions in SO2 emissions are the most effective way to reduce fine particle levels in NC and the Southeastern US • Reductions in NOx and SO2 emissions will reduce acid rain and nitrogen deposition as well as improve visibility • Emissions reductions applied in a particular State would generate the most benefit in that State

  3. Ozone Control Strategy Implementation • Significant progress has been made in this decade to reduce emissions and lower ozone levels • NOx reductions have been realized: • Utility sector (State Clean Smokestacks Act), • Utility and industrial boilers (Federal NOx SIP Call rule, Clean Air Interstate Rule), • Mobile (Federal engine and fuel standards, State vehicle inspection program) • Nonroad (Federal engine standards)

  4. Duke and Progress Energy NOx Emissions Note: Final NOx reduction goal in Clean Smokestacks Act is 2009

  5. Ozone levels are decreasing

  6. Fine Particle Control Strategy Implementation • Significant progress has been made in this decade to reduce emissions and lower fine particle levels • SO2 reductions have been realized: • Utility sector (State Clean Smokestacks Act), • Utility and industrial boilers (Federal Clean Air Interstate Rule), • Mobile (Federal diesel engine and fuel standards) • Nonroad (Federal diesel engine and fuel standards)

  7. Duke and Progress Energy SO2 Emissions Note: Final 2013 SO2 reduction goal in Clean Smokestacks Act is 130,000 tons

  8. Fine Particle levels are decreasing

  9. Clean Smokestacks Act - Summary • Implementation of the Clean Smokestacks Act ensured significant reductions of NOx and SO2 emissions in NC. • It required each of the two major utilities in NC to reduce emissions below a system wide cap in NC. • It did not allow sources to purchase credits to meet emission reduction goals in NC.

  10. Clean Smokestacks Act - Summary • Implementation of the Clean Smokestacks Act provides significant co-benefits in the form of: • Mercury emission reductions • Reductions in Nitrogen deposition • Reductions in acid deposition • The co-benefits are significant as they serve to protect and improve our air quality, water quality, plant life, fisheries, and ecosystems.

  11. Clean Smokestacks Act - Summary • Implementation of the Clean Smokestacks Act better positions NC to respond to more stringent National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and fine particles proposed by USEPA.

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