The EPA released a proposed new Clean Air Act rule that will cut air pollution from electric generating utilities that burn fossil fuels. The new rule will directly impact 31 states and the District of Columbia. Go to www.epa.gov/airtransport to find links to the PDF copy of the 1,361 page announcement.

The rule is a result of a federal court order to revisit the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) and tighten up certain aspects and definitions. As a result, each of the named states will have individual emission budgets for particulates, SO₂ and NO_X. Emission trading will be allowed but limited. The goal is to control emissions that cross state lines. Each state must make additional efforts to keep emissions within their borders as well as lower them.

The rule lowered targeted emissions and reduced the compliance dates from the original proposal in 2005. In a press conference, EPA's Gina McCarthy said to expect additional tightening on these pollutants as well as additional parameters in the future. She also said that it was quite likely that additional legislation would be coming from the Congress to add air controls.

The agency expects that the new proposal will be published in the Federal Register in the next couple of weeks. Comment will be accepted for 60 days from the day it is published. EPA will announce the time and location for 3 public meetings to discuss the new rule.