Emission Cuts from Power Plants Ordered by Pollution Control Board

Chicago--Emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and other pollutants will be significantly reduced by rules adopted today by the Illinois Pollution Control Board.  The reductions ensure that all areas of the State of Illinois will be in compliance with current Federal rules regarding SO2 concentrations.  In particular, the Board’s action will require power plants owned by NRG Energy and Dynegy to cut pollution levels and will prohibit burning coal at four units in the Joliet and Lockport areas. 

The Board approved, with modifications, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (IEPA) proposal to meet Illinois’ obligations under the federal Clean Air Act.  The most significant reductions will take place in the two areas that were found to be not in compliance with current National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS): Lemont (Cook and Will Counties) and Pekin (Tazewell and Peoria Counties).  IEPA’s detailed modeling indicates the rules will result in compliance with NAAQS standards. 

“The rules will reduce allowable emissions from power plants in these two areas to the lowest level ever,” said Board Chairman Gerald M. Keenan. “The Board’s order and implemented rules require that four of NRG’s coal-fired units cease burning coal, which will effectively eliminate SO2 pollution from those units” (Joliet Units 5, 6 & 7 and Will County Unit 3).
 
“In 2017, ceasing coal combustion will reduce SO2 emissions from the NRG plants by 6,000 tons and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 3,000 tons, compared to the rules currently in effect,” commented Board Member Jennifer A. Burke, who led the Board’s investigation and review of the rules.  “Emissions of CO2, identified as a primary contributor to global climate change, will fall by 7.5 million tons; particulate matter by 1900 tons; and mercury by 400 pounds per year.” 

“IEPA modeling indicates that the Will County Station will emit 35% less SO2 in 2017 than under the current rules,” said Chairman Keenan.  “Significant reductions will also be required from NRG’s Powerton Station, one of the largest electric generating facilities in Illinois. These rules will provide substantial environmental benefits to residents of the affected areas, while allowing electric generators and other facilities to continue to provide good jobs and economic benefits.”

The Board’s decision comes after extensive review of thousands of pages of testimony, exhibits, and environmental modeling results.  Three public hearings, attended by more than 200 people, were held in Chicago, Joliet, and Pekin.  Public testimony was offered by 35 citizens, approximately 1,400 written comments were submitted, and detailed responses were submitted by five organizations. 

The Board’s rules will also reduce pollutants from ethanol production facilities and industrial facilities.  The rules establish strict limits on the sulfur content of liquid fuels used by stationary facilities throughout the State.    

The Board’s revised rules will go into effect upon final approval by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and publication in the Illinois Register.

The Illinois Pollution Control Board is responsible for the consideration and adoption of Illinois’ environmental rules, based upon the Environmental Protection Act and other Illinois laws. It also decides a broad variety of environmental cases, many of which are highly technical in nature. The Board is headquartered in Chicago, with an office in Springfield.