Somehow, I’m guessing AEP and other out-of-state power plants have contributed to acid rain in the Adirondacks. So let’s have a look at the record case that is being touted as feel good news. In the end it is better than nothing.

American Electric Power (AEP) settles a lawsuit brought under the Clinton Administration (remember Janet Reno 8 years ago?) where they agree to install $4.6 BILLION dollars in technology to reduce emissions. There is an article here or this piece from CNN

Legal battles and negotiations between federal prosecutors and industry representatives continued throughout the years of the Bush administration.

The settlement requires AEP to pay a $15 million civil fine to the federal government and spend $60 million on “mitigation measures” like cleanup and repair of damaged lands, sources said.

And the company will be required to reduce nitrogen oxide by 69 percent within nine years and sulfur dioxide by 70 percent within 11 years, said sources.

All better right? Even during the non-environmentally friendly Bush Administration - the environmentalists “win”

Far be it from me to look a gift horse in the mouth but…

I guess it sounds good on paper but what are the milestones for year 1 reduction of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide? I mean ~70% reduction in 10 years sounds good but that is 10 years from now.

Meanwhile - Our NYS forests and health are suffering until these emissions are reduced.

Oh - a 15 million dollar fine and spend 60 million dollars helping fix a problem they caused? Heck, If I’m a company - I’m thinking I won the case. I postponed spending billions of dollars - for several years in exchange for spending 75 million dollars in fines and remediation cost.

What is the interest rate or rate of return on $4.6 billion dollars over at least 8 years (actually more because the settlement has to be in place w/in ~10 years?).

$75 milliion dollars is a small price to pay to keep this money.

This article about Adirondacks’ acid rain is from 2000. 10 years from now when 70% of emissions are cut is 2017. What will be left?

Meanwhile check this out - some PPT presentation about the effects of acid rain in the Adirondacks.

This is our State park - New Yorkers have a stake.