CBF: Upwind Power Plant Owners Save $24 Million at the Expense of Maryland

(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Jon Mueller, Vice President of Litigation at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), issued this statement after Maryland filed a lawsuit today against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to respond to the state's petition for action against 19 upwind power plants. CBF and partners plan to file a similar lawsuit on this issue in the coming weeks.

The Baltimore area had 14 days of Code Orange Air Quality Alerts this summer, meaning unhealthy air pollution for children, seniors, and other sensitive individuals.

"We applaud and support Maryland in this effort to force EPA to act against out-of-state power plants whose emissions worsen Marylanders' health problems, and have a negative impact on Maryland waters.

"For years, Maryland has taken steps to reduce air pollution from power plants and vehicles operating within the state. But about 70 percent of the Baltimore area ozone problem comes from upwind sources of air pollution. EPA has the authority, and the responsibility, to address these upwind sources, but has failed to even respond to Maryland's 'good neighbor' petition, which requests relief from the upwind air pollution.

"Nineteen upwind power plants in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana already have pollution controls installed, but they simply decide not to use them some days. Living downwind of those plants, Marylanders suffer. In 2014, these plants earned an extra $24 million in profits by not turning on the technology."

The Bay Needs You

The State of the Bay Report makes it clear that the Bay needs our support now more than ever. Your donation helps the Chesapeake Bay Foundation maintain our momentum toward a restored Bay, rivers, and streams for today and generations to come.

Donate Today

Volunteer

Do you enjoy working with others to help clean the Chesapeake Bay? Do you have a few hours to spare? Whether growing oysters, planting trees, or advocating for a clean Bay, there are plenty of ways you can contribute.

Volunteer
x
This website uses cookies to tailor and enhance your online experience. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more information, including details on how to disable cookies, please visit our Privacy Policy. Close