Advocates fight for air quality

Middle Tennessee briefs: West End to be 1 lane nights of July 7-11 - Friday, 06/27/03

Advocates fight for air quality

Clean air advocates gathered yesterday at Riverfront Park to draw attention to what they say are shortcomings in President Bush's Clear Skies Initiative.

With towers of a blow-up model of a power plant looming behind them, the advocates called on Republican Sens. Bill Frist and Lamar Alexander to protect air quality in Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by not supporting the plan.

Alexander has already expressed concerns about whether the initiative, which sets a timetable for reductions in some emissions, is adequate.

Power plants and vehicles release pollutants that react in sunlight during hot months to create ozone. It can trigger asthma attacks, irritate lungs and damage plants. Mercury, which is a neuro-toxin, is emitted by coal-burning power plants.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group, American Lung Association and Southern Alliance for Clean Energy were among groups represented yesterday.

"Nashville and Tennessee's other metropolitan areas are working to maintain compliance with federal ozone standards," said Will Callaway, executive director of the Tennessee Environmental Council.

"We ask Senator Frist to remember who he represents and to help these communities by supporting legislation that would reduce pollutants in a manner to achieve compliance sooner, not later."