EPA, DOJ file for settlement modification with Alabama Power Company

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday filed a proposed modification of the 2006 consent agreement with Alabama Power Company that would see the company subject to further limits for air pollutants.

“This action secures reductions of harmful air pollution at Alabama Power Company’s coal-fired power plants across the state,” EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Assistant Administrator Cynthia Giles said. “This is important progress toward our commitment to cut emissions from the largest sources, and means cleaner air and improved public health for communities across Alabama.”

The original settlement came after the EPA and DOJ brought charges related to violations of the Clean Air Act’s New Source Program, and the modifications would tie up the case's loose ends. It would lower the acceptable levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx), requiring the Alabama Power Company to invest in technologically advanced pollution control devices.

The company would also be required to invest $1.5 million in electrical charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and pay a $100,000 penalty.