“The NO_X Budget Trading Program is yet another example of how market-based trading programs are significantly reducing emissions of air pollutants,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “The NO_X SIP Call and our new Clean Air Interstate Rule ensure that Americans continue to breathe cleaner air by dramatically reducing air pollution that moves across state boundaries.”

The report claimed that the power industry's summertime NO_X emissions dropped by 30 percent in 2004 compared to 2003 levels. They dropped 50 percent compared to 2000 levels.

Summertime NO_X emissions contribute to ozone formation, which is known to cause health problems. Combined with other control programs, NO_X emissions dropped 70 percent below 1980 levels from sources in 19 eastern states and the District of Columbia.

The report is available at www.epa.gov/airtrends and information and background on the NO_X SIP Call is available at www.epa.gov/airmarkets/fednox.