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Nitrogen Oxide Emissions and Midwest Power Plants

January 1, 2003
Midwest_Nitrogen

The release of nitrogen into our environment has more than doubled over the past century, contributing to problems such as ground level ozone, acid rain and other environmental challenges. In the Midwest, coal-fired power plants are one of the largest sources of nitrogen oxide pollution, accounting for 30 percent of total annual emissions. Power plants have remained exempt from modern pollution controls for decades. Some in the Midwest will be facing seasonal pollution controls beginning in 2004, others will remain uncontrolled. To fully address the threats this pollutant poses for our public health and environment, more will have to be done to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from power plants in the Midwest.