President Bush on February 14 released the details of his long-awaited plan to reduce power plant emissions of three of the most significant air pollutants. The “Clear Skies” initiative would:
· Cut sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions by 73%, from current emissions of 11 million tons to a cap of 4.5 million tons in 2010, and 3 million tons in 2018
· Cut emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 67%, from current emissions of 5 million tons to a cap of 2.1 million tons in 2008, and to 1.7 million tons in 2018; and
· Cut mercury emissions by 69%, resulting in the first-ever national cap on mercury emissions. Emissions will be cut from current emissions of 48 tons to a cap of 26 tons in 2010, and 15 tons in 2018
As expected, the White House plan does not address emissions of carbon dioxide. Senate Democrats, as well as Senator James Jeffords (I-VT), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, support a multi-pollutant bill that would reduce of SO2, NOx, mercury, and carbon dioxide.
The White House also revealed that the President is committed to a new strategy to address global climate change, by reducing the rate of greenhouse gas emissions from an estimated 183 metric tons per million dollars of GDP in 2002, to 151 metric tons per million dollars of GDP in 2012.
