N.C. sues TVA for cleaner air
Tuesday, January 31st, 2006
By Chris Fitzsimon
Coal-fired power plants in neighboring states hurt our economy and health, the suit says Wade Rawlins, Staff Writer State Attorney General Roy Cooper sued the Tennessee Valley Authority on Monday, claiming air pollution that blows across mountains into North Carolina is a public nuisance that causes thousands of illnesses a year.
The lawsuit charges that pollutants spewed from TVA’s 11 coal-fired power plants in Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee harm the health of North Carolina residents as well as the state’s environment and economy. It does not seek money damages, but asks the court to order reduced emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury. The pollutants create haze and soot, foul creeks and lead to acid rain, the suit charges.
The lawsuit was filed in federal district court in Asheville — in the midst of the region most affected by pollution carried in the prevailing west-to-east winds.
"We thought it was important to bring this legal action where the harm was being done," Cooper said in an interview. "I want the people of North Carolina to stop getting sick from dirty air. I want to keep North Carolina business from getting whacked with higher health costs because dirty air is making employees sick."
TVA’s chairman Bill Baxter said the federal utility has spent billions installing pollution controls on its plants. He said lawsuits by individual states just kept lawyers busy. (more…)
Last 5 posts in Daily News
- Health insurance coverage dwindling - October 10th, 2008
- N.C. to change voter ID process after problems - October 10th, 2008
- State defends database use for IDs - October 10th, 2008
- States tighten their belts amid financial woes - October 10th, 2008
- Senate race aims to boost Libertarians - October 10th, 2008
Email This Post
Print This Post
