All News Releases By Date

EPA Proposes To Approve First NOx Trade Between Two NY Companies

Release Date: 05/21/1998
Contact Information:

(#98057) New York, N.Y. -- Overall emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in New York State are being reduced by nearly 50 tons per year, as a result of an emission trade between Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation facilities in Oswego, Albany, Erie and Chautauqua Counties and the Champion International Corporation in Deferiet, Jefferson County. NOx is an important ingredient in the formation of ground level ozone, or smog. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today proposed to approve the trade, the first allowed between different facilities in NewYork. Previously, trades were only allowed between units at one single facility. The trade will allow Champion International Corporation to comply with NOx emission control equipment requirements by purchasing NOx emission credits from Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, which earned the credits by over-complying with the standards. Ten percent of the credits that Champion International Corporation purchased from Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, or about 50 tons per year, will be permanently set aside and cannot be emitted by any company.

"This emission trade provides an innovative way for an air pollution source to reduce emissions," said Jeanne M. Fox, EPA Region 2 Administrator. "Because ten percent of the emission credits that Niagara Mohawk is selling to Champion will be set aside, the overall emissions of NOx in New York State will be reduced. These types of trades, which are good for business and good for the environment, allow individual facilities flexibility, while continuing to reduce overall pollution levels."

"New York State Environmental Conservation Commissioner John P. Cahill said," The retirement of 50 tons of nitrogen oxide credits is yet another step forward in our ongoing effort to improve air quality in New York State. Already, we have reduced NOx emissions within the state by more than 40 percent since 1990, and we have committed to achieving a 75 present reduction by 2003, making New York State a national leader in this field. I am delighted that New York's businesses are fighting against smog and acid rain by retiring these credits."

The trade is included in a revision to the New York State Implementation Plan to reduce ozone pollution. It was proposed because Champion International Corporation could not meet NOx emission control standards without a major overhaul of its plant. The company had planned to ask New York State for a waiver from the requirements. Such a waiver, if granted, would not have resulted in an overall NOx emission reduction. Once a public notice is published in the Federal Register, EPA will take public comment for 30 days on its proposed approval of the emissions trade.

For more information contact:
Mary Helen Cervantes-Gross, Press Office
EPA Region 2
290 Broadway
NY, NY 10007-1866
Voice: 212-637-3673 FAX: 212-637-4445 E-Mail: [email protected]