Public Hearings Scheduled on Clean Air Proposals to Reduce Emissions of Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Mercury from Power Plants

2/19/2004

From: John Millett of the U.S. Environment Protection Agency, 202-564-7842 or millett.john@epa.gov

News Advisory:

EPA will hold hearings in Chicago, Ill., Philadelphia, Penn., and Research Triangle Park, N.C. to provide additional opportunity for members of the public to participate in open comment periods on several proposals to achieve deep reductions in emissions of air pollutants from power plants. The hearings, to be held concurrently on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26, will specifically solicit public comment on the proposed Utility Mercury Reductions and Interstate Air Quality Rules. EPA announced both proposed rules in Dec. 2003. The public hearings will be conducted at the following locations:

WHERE:

-- Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, Ill. 60605, 312-922-4400

-- Wyndham Philadelphia at Franklin Plaza, 17th and Race Streets, Philadelphia, Pa.19103, 215-448-2000

-- Holiday Inn Raleigh-Durham Airport, 4810 Old Page Road, Research Triangle Park, N.C., 919-941-6000

WHEN: On Wednesday, Feb. 25 and Thursday, Feb. 26, each hearing will start at 8 a.m. and continue into the evening to accommodate individuals who wish to comment.

CONTACT: John Millett of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 202-564-7842 or millett.john@epa.gov

The public comment period for these proposals remains open until March 30. Individuals may also submit comments electronically, by mail, by facsimile or by hand delivery/courier. EPA will consider written comments submitted during the comment periods with the same weight as oral comments presented during the public hearings.

For information on the proposed Utility Mercury Reductions Rule, go to: http://www.epa.gov/mercury/ . For information on the proposed Interstate Air Quality Rule go to: http://www.epa.gov/air/interstateairquality/ .