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March 6, 2003
For Fourth Straight Year
State's NOx Trading Program Proving Successful in
Reducing Smog Forming Emissions from Power Plants
CONCORD, NH - The N.H. Department of Environmental Services (DES) announced today that results for the 2002 ozone season indicate that New Hampshire has successfully reduced smog-forming nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions for the fourth straight season under its NOx Trading Program. Total emissions during the ozone season consistently have been below the state's ozone season budget since the inception of the program in 1999 - with emissions already below the more stringent 2003 budget level in each year.
Preliminary data recently released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC), show that during 2002, as in the previous three years, New Hampshire experienced significant NOx reductions from power plants during the summer ozone season. Compared to 1990 OTC baseline levels of 14,589 tons, New Hampshire's large power plants emitted only 3,463 tons of NOx during 1999, 2,056 tons of NOx during 2000, 2,081 tons of NOx during 2001, and 2,527 tons of NOx during 2002 -- a reduction of 76.3 percent, 85.9 percent, 85.7 percent, and 82.7 percent respectively, from 1990 levels.
The reduction is attributable to Public Service of New Hampshire's (PSNH's) installation and operation of extensive pollution control devices. The state's dramatic drop in NOx emissions may continue as new low-emitting natural gas power plants compete for a share of the power generation market in 2003.
New Hampshire once again performed well above the average in achieving NOx reductions from large utilities. This underscores the success of a regional trading program that has been extremely effective in reducing NOx emissions from power plants.
NOx is a major cause of ground-level ozone, more commonly referred to as smog. It also contributes to fine airborne soot particles, acid rain, degradation of lakes and ponds, and climate change. All of these concerns are best addressed by programs that reduce the overall amount of NOx transported into and throughout the northeast region. The OTC's trading program has proven to be well-suited for that purpose.
While the program has been successful, monitored ambient (outdoor) ozone concentrations in New Hampshire have shown only a slight (if any) decline. However, additional NOx reductions planned for power plants in other upwind States are expected to assist in improving ambient ozone conditions in New Hampshire. Additional NOx reductions from sources other than power plants are also expected to improve conditions.
To see the full EPA report, please visit EPA's web site at www.epa.gov/airmarkt.
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