An ambitious agreement announced September 1 aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 4 million tons per year and to dramatically cut other air pollutants. The deal, reached by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, U.S. EPA, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association and the owners of the Yampa Project at Craig Station, the National Parks Conservation Association, and Wild Earth Guardians, is expected to result in the retirement of two coal-fired power units by 2022 and 2025.
“This collaborative agreement is another step in our continuing efforts to ensure Colorado has the cleanest air in the nation,” said Dr. Larry Wolk, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “These emission reductions will help lower ozone levels that contribute to respiratory illnesses such as asthma. The reductions also will reduce haze and improve visibility in our national parks and wilderness areas.”
The state’s Air Quality Control Commission will be asked to schedule the matter for a hearing at its December 15 meeting.
