SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 29
(By Senator Sharpe)
Urging the United States Congress enact legislation regarding
reduction targets for nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and
mercury at reasonable and appropriate levels that will provide
stability and maximum flexibility to electric power generators
in meeting air quality targets while maintaining electric
power reliability, availability and affordability.
Whereas, The State of West Virginia, its citizens and its
industries have a shared interest in improving air quality; and
Whereas, The quality of life in this state depends on a
reliable supply of electric power; and
Whereas, The state's electric power generators must comply
with multiple and sometimes overlapping air quality requirements,
the interpretation of which is often decided in courts of law; and
Whereas, The time involved in emission reduction-related
litigation often reduces the time available for the installation of
emission-reduction technologies and increases the costs of
compliance which are eventually passed on to consumers; and
Whereas, Congress has an opportunity to adopt a federal,
integrated strategy that establishes aggressive but reasonable time
frames and reduction targets for the nation's three highest
priority electric power plant emissions: Nitrogen oxide, sulfur
dioxide and mercury; and
Whereas, Such a multiemission strategy will minimize
interstate regulatory compliance conflicts, lessen the need for
costly, time-consuming litigation, allow for the design and
deployment of more cost-effective technologies and continue the
nation's progress for reducing potentially harmful emissions as
cost-effectively as possible without negatively impacting the
reliability of the nation's power supplies; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby urges the United States Congress enact
legislation regarding reduction targets for nitrogen oxide, sulfur
dioxide and mercury at reasonable and appropriate levels that will
provide stability and maximum flexibility to electric power
generators in meeting air quality targets while maintaining
electric power reliability, availability and affordability; and, be
it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to West Virginia's congressional
delegation and to the Governor.