The EPA´s final State Implementation Plan rule effectively requires that electric utilities in a 22-state region reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission rates by approximately 85 percent by May 1, 2003.
"Although we aren´t surprised, we are extremely disappointed with EPA´s decision to ignore the sound alternatives proposed by 13 states and a coalition of electric utilities and other stakeholders," said Dale Heydlauff, vice president - environmental affairs for AEP. "These alternatives -- most resulting in a 65 percent reduction by 2004 or 2005, and additional reductions based on subregional modeling -- will provide the air quality improvements necessary to enable most states in the eastern U.S. to meet EPA´s one-hour and eight-hour ozone standards. EPA has missed a golden opportunity to work cooperatively with the states on this issue.
"Despite EPA´s announcement, however, AEP will move forward on its earlier pledge to reduce NOx emissions. We will continue to work in concert with the states where we do business to achieve the SIP call´s objectives without jeopardizing the reliability of our region´s electric supply, or unduly burdening our region´s economy with unnecessary costs."
AEP had previously indicated to the governors of the states in which it operates that the company would reduce its NOx emissions 65 percent systemwide.
Heydlauff also indicated that AEP will encourage the Midwest and Southern states to continue their progress on alternative plans to EPA´s SIP call.
"The states retain primary responsibility for developing strategies to achieve national air quality standards," Heydlauff said. "It is fully within the states´ purview to determine the range of reductions they will require from the NOx sources within their borders. We will do what we can to support them as they evaluate their options with respect to today´s SIP call, up to and including exercising their legal rights."
AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States´ largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 3 million customers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Australia. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, energy consulting and energy management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio.
On Dec. 22, 1997, AEP announced a definitive merger agreement for a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction with Central and South West Corp., a public utility holding company based in Dallas.
For More Information, Contact:
Deb Strohmaier
Senior Media Representative
American Electric Power
614/223-1656
Deb Strohmaier
Senior Media Representative
American Electric Power
614/223-1656