Press Mention The Atlanta Journal-Constitution July 25, 2004
SACE Referenced
State EPD mulls ideas to cut smog
In this mention
Georgia's Environmental Protection Division presented three options for reducing smog as part of a federally required plan. The state's proposal to require utilities to fund renewable energy and efficiency projects is less aggressive than an alternative plan jointly proposed by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and the Sierra Club, which would have generated more funding through nitrogen oxide credit auctions.
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State EPD mulls
ideas to cut smog
Requiring electric utilities to pay for wind and solar energy projects is among three options presented last week by the state Environmental Protection Division as part of a federally required plan to reduce smog.
But EPD's proposal is less aggressive than the one presented last month by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and the Sierra Club, and would generate less money to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The environmental groups had proposed auctioning off 7.5 percent of the nitrogen oxides large coal-fired plants are allowed to emit under federal regulations. Plants that need to emit more would have to buy nitrogen oxide credits.
EPD's options would set aside 3 percent to 5 percent of the nitrogen oxides. Also, air protection officials say they are uncertain about the legality of auctioning off pollution credits and directing the money to energy projects.
EPD is accepting comments on the options through Aug. 3. For more information, go to www.air.dnr.state.ga.us/sspp/noxsipcall/.
— Stacy Shelton