Clean Smokestacks Act Benefits Update

Division of Air QualityMarch 17, 2010

3/17/2010

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

3/17/2010

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)

3/17/2010

3/17/2010

Duke and Progress Energy NOx Emissions

Note: Final NOx reduction goal in Clean Smokestacks Act is 20093/17/2010

3/17/2010

Ozone levels are decreasing

3/17/2010

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)

3/17/2010

Duke and Progress Energy SO2 Emissions

Note: Final 2013 SO2 reduction goal in Clean Smokestacks Act is 130,000 tons3/17/2010

Fine Particle levels are decreasing

3/17/2010

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.

3/17/2010

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.

3/17/2010

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.

3/17/2010