Change to Clean Air Act could save up to 2000 lives in Illinois by 2014

A new clean air standard is now aimed at clearing deadly air pollution in Illinois, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA estimates that provision, known as the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, targets pollution that crosses state borders. Nationally, the standard is predicted to save 34,000 pollution-related deaths.

In Illinois, as many as 2,000 lives will be saved by 2014.

“We applaud the Environmental Protection Agency and the Obama administration for standing up for Illinoisans’ health and our environment by issuing this much-needed clean air standard,” said Catherine Krasner, field organizer at Environment Illinois.

Emissions statistics show that air pollution from power plants can be linked to as many 3.1 million lost work days, 18 million respiratory symptoms and 60,000 deaths.

Pollutants from power plants also create acid rain and haze blankets that threaten forests and natural landscapes.

Part of the Clean Air Act, the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, requires reductions in emissions of nitrogen oxides, key pollutants that cause smog, and sulfur dioxide, which commonly causes soot pollution. As of 2011, both chemicals are generated in high amounts from plants in 27 states and the District of Columbia.

Illinois power plants release more than 37,000 tons of nitrogen oxides every year. The new rule is expected to pare that mark by 73 percent by 2014.