Yesterday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency exempted dozens of coal plants from cleanup requirements when the agency authorized using the Cross State Air Pollution Rule to waive haze pollution cleanup requirements. Instead of mandating outdated coal plants to install the “best available retrofit technology” (BART) to curb haze pollution, the rule will allow many old plants to avoid full cleanup.

The following statement is from Sarah Saylor, Senior Legislative Representative for Earthjustice:

“With this rule, EPA is attempting to substitute one clean-up program for another. It’s like using a broom to sweep your carpet; it just doesn’t do the job and more dirty and unhealthy air will result.”

The Clean Air Act requires states to reduce haze pollution in all protected national parks, wilderness areas and wildlife refuges by December 2007.

“The agency is allowing coal plants to continue to pollute areas that are supposed to have pristine air quality—our national parks and other sensitive areas,” Saylor added.