News Releases - 2001

Illinois Clean Air Strategy Approved

Springfield, Ill. -- Illinois became the first midwestern state to receive federal approval for its plan to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides that contribute to ground-level ozone, or smog, both in Illinois and other states.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 announced Friday the approval of Illinois' plans to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from power plants and large industrial boilers throughout the state.

Twenty states and the District of Columbia are required, under a regional program established by the USEPA, to adopt rules designed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

"This action shows Illinois continues to be a leader in achieving cleaner air and a healthier environment for all our citizens, as well as those of our neighboring states," said Governor George H. Ryan.

Under these rules, power plants and other large industrial sources will be required to further reduce NOx emissions by May 31, 2004. Projections indicate a drop from 123,876 tons from power plants during the 1996 ozone season to 30,701 tons for the 2004 ozone season as a result of the requirements. That would mean a 75 percent reduction from the 1996 emission levels of nitrogen oxides from power plants. Sources will also be able to participate in a trading program to help them achieve the necessary reductions.

"We are pleased that USEPA has approved this important rulemaking. Illinois has been a leader in both spurring research and solutions to the ground-level ozone problem and this is another important milestone in that effort," Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano said.

"Illinois power generators have been responding to this challenge and additional control equipment to reduce emissions are already being installed in some plants," Director Cipriano added.

USEPA noted that Illinois led the Ozone Transport Assessment Group (OTAG) effort from 1995-1997 involving 37 states and a wide variety of private sector leaders.

OTAG examined the problem of nitrogen oxides traveling hundreds of miles before they contribute to the mix of pollutants that form ground-level ozone under certain weather conditions. USEPA noted its plan to deal with the issue relied heavily on the work and recommendations of OTAG.

Ground-level ozone affects everyone, especially children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory disorders.

Illinois has made substantial progress in meeting the federal one-hour ozone health standard, as a result of regulations and programs that have dramatically reduced nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds that mix to form ground-level ozone during the summer. There have been no violations of the standard in the Chicago metro area for the past three years.