West Virginia ranks thirty-fifth in state population but, as to air emissions, as of 1997, was sixth for sulfur dioxide and seventh for nitrogen oxides . Still, although a significant polluter, because the impact of nitrogen oxides diminishes by about half every 150 miles, West Virginia may not be the bogeyman in northeastern states that it is made out to be. The Ohio River Valley is particularly hard hit by emissions and may not meet the new health standards for ozone and particulate matter. While states like New York have higher peaks of ozone than does West Virginia, people in West Virginia probably breathe more ozone. American ingenuity and public commitment to emission reduction can be successful.
Power plants are in West Virginia because the coal is here.
Those plants are here to stay for the forseeable future. Predictions of dire consequences resulting from regulating smog-causing emissions sound the biblical shepherd's cry of the wolf that isn't there. It is an old cry used in 1970 when the first federal clean air statute was enacted. Yet, despite industry complaints, needed improvements, aided by technology, were made and continue to be made and the country enjoys prosperity. Public health .