Dispute federal model that shows state's power plants contribute to Houston's ozone problem
The Louisiana Public Service Commission and the state Department of Environmental Quality are disputing a federal model that shows Louisiana's power plants are contributing to Houston's ozone problems. The Advocate reports the PSC and DEQ asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday to reconsider its interstate emissions rule. State officials said they are concerned about possible power shortages and higher utility bills.
Public Service Commission Chairman James FieldLeft unchanged, the number of ozone season emissions allowed by the state's power plants would drop.
The EPA wants to allow 13,482 tons, down from the 21,220 tons of emissions that Louisiana previously was allowed during ozone season. During the 2010 ozone season, Louisiana power plants had 23,174 tons in emissions.
PSC Chairman Jimmy Field said the EPA is ignoring how electricity is generated and transmitted.