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• Air Toxins

• Power Plant Campaign

• Ozone

• Health Effects

• Global Warming

• Green Power

 

 

• In July 2003 the Commissioner of the Department of Environment and Conservation informed the Environmental Protection Agency that eighteen (18) counties in Tennessee likely will be out of compliance with national ambient air quality standards.  This report was related to attainment for ozone pollution and identified counties mainly in the metropolitan areas of Tennessee, where the majority of the states’ population lives. 

• Seven metro areas have signed up for early action compacts, an effort to reduce pollutants more quickly (with local plans) in order to reach attainment.  The American Lung Association has identified the four major urban areas –Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville - among the 30 most polluted cities in the country.  

• On July 22, 2003, Governor Bredesen established the Governor’s Interagency Working Group on Air Quality, recognizing that “air pollution is one of the most serious environmental challenges facing our state and has the potential to adversely impact public health, our environment and our state’s economy.” 

• Emissions from TVA’s coal-fired power plants continue to be a major source of sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, carbon dioxide and mercury.  These toxic emissions contribute to acid rain, ozone formation, global warming, and the poisoning of lakes and streams, respectively.

•  The growing number of automobiles/trucks on the roads contributes to more than one-third of air pollutants in the state. 

• New Source Review (NSR) standards proposed by the Bush Administration would create loopholes for industry and power companies, allowing more air pollution in Tennessee that would not fall under the tighter restrictions adopted in the Clean Air Act.

What you can do to help

The state of Tennessee is considering changes to new source review (NSR) rules applicable to sources of air pollution. These rules work to prevent increases in pollution. The EPA has put forth changes that would weaken these controls. The changes were poorly considered and will lead to worse air quality in Tennessee.

Call Governor Bredesen and tell him not to adopt the EPA "worse source" air rules. There are better ways to clarify the regulation of industry, but creating loopholes to avoid pollution control is not the way to go.

Call 615-741-2001. Tell them you want Governor Bredesen to protect the air quality for you and all Tennesseans.