[SustainableNC] Clean Smokestacks Legislation Passed

[Shea, Cynthia (Office of Assoc Vice Chancellor, Campus Services)]

Good news. On Thursday, June 20, Governor Easley signed S1078, also known as
the "Clean Smokestacks" bill. http://www.ncga.state.nc.us
The legislation requires the 14 coal fired power plants in the state to
reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide by more than 70
percent.
NOx emissions will fall from 245,000 tons in 1998 to 60,000 tons in 2007 and
56,000 tons by 2009.
SO2 emissions will fall from 489,000 tons in 1998 to 250,000 tons in 2009
and 130,000 tons by 2013.

The utilities that own these plants, Duke and Progress Energy/CP&L, will cap
their rates for five years during which time they will collect at least 70
percent of the capital improvement costs. (Other items are coming out of the
rate base.) After five years, an evaluation will determine the extent of
over billing or under charging to date.

With the 13th worst air quality in the country, this is good news for all
Triangle residents. It is especially good news for the asthma and other
respiratory sufferers among us. 
Many thanks to the multiple groups that have worked long and hard to push
through this agreement.

Cindy Pollock Shea
Sustainability Coordinator
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Voice: 919-843-5251
Fax:    919-843-4567

http://sustainability.unc.edu

Change is inevitable. It's the resistance to change that's optional.