The agreement will result in regulations on greenhouse gases  that contribute to air pollution and endanger public health

Attorney General John Kroger today praised the Environmental Protection Agency for agreeing to improve air quality and better protect public health by adopting new pollution rules for power plants and petroleum refineries.

“For the first time, EPA has agreed to adopt greenhouse gas emission standards for existing polluters,” said Keith Dubanevich, Chief of Staff and Special Counsel to Attorney General Kroger. “This is a great step forward to reducing air pollution and protecting public health.”

Today’s agreement resolves two cases, New York v. EPA (D.C. Cir. 06-1322), a lawsuit filed by 12 states (including Oregon) and environmental groups to compel EPA to adopt new limits for greenhouse gas emissions from new and existing power plants; and American Petroleum Institute v. EPA (D.C. Cir. 08-1277), a consolidation of cases including a lawsuit filed by 13 states (including Oregon) and environmental groups to compel EPA to adopt new limits for greenhouse gas emissions from new and existing petroleum refineries.

Under the power plant agreement, EPA must propose limits for new pollution sources and emission guidelines for existing sources by July 26, 2011. EPA must adopt final pollution rules and emission guidelines by May 26, 2012.

Under the petroleum refineries agreement, EPA must propose rules for new pollution sources and emission guidelines for existing sources by December 10, 2011. EPA must adopt final pollution limits and emission guidelines by November 10, 2012.

EPA has determined that power plants and petroleum refineries represent the first and second largest emitters of global warming pollution among major stationary sources.

While developing their own implementation rules, states may also take into account the remaining useful life of the existing source.

Attorney General John Kroger leads the Oregon Department of Justice. The Department’s mission is to fight crime and fraud, protect the environment, improve child welfare, promote a positive business climate, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.

Contact:

Tony Green, (503) 378-6002 tony.green@doj.state.or.us |