Pennsylvania must reduce its nitrogen oxide emissions by 79,338 tons annually by 2007, or 40.3 percent of projected total emissions in the year 2007, for the ozone-forming compound. Other states face even steeper emissions reductions. West Virginia must cut its nitrogen oxide emissions in 2007 by 97,967 tons or 62.9 percent. Virginia, 43.8 percent. The new reduction plan represents the EPA's first attempt to protect public health by reducing the amount of pollutants carried by prevailing winds from the Midwest to the Northeast, which makes it impossible for northeastern states to meet federal clean air standards.
Nitrogen oxide is a key ingredient of ground-level ozone, which is a primary component of smog.
Smog is the most pervasive air pollutant in the United States and aggravates respiratory problems such as asthma, especially in the elderly and children. They can't solve their own problem, and this action is necessary to help them achieve healthy air. This is the first time the EPA has recognized the need for a regional solution to reducing ozone. Linton said Pennsylvania utilities should be able to meet the nitrogen oxide reduction targets. So the companies have been preparing for that and should be in good shape.