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Fossil-fueled power plants are a major source of air pollution in New Hampshire and throughout New England. The Newington and Schiller fossil fueled power plants are a major source of air pollution on the NH and southern Maine seacoast. NH's fossil fueled plants account for 85% of industrial air pollution in NH. In fact, one plant, the Merrimack Station in Bow, has a higher rate of sulfur dioxide emissions per unit of energy produced than any other power plant in NE. Built 27 to 49 years ago, these plants do not have to meet modern plant standards, under a 24-year-old loophole in the federal Clean Air Act commonly known as "grandfathering." In addition to endangering public health locally and regionally from smog, soot and cancer-causing pollutants, fossil-fueled power plants are major contributors to acid rain, toxic mercury contamination of fish and other wildlife, summer haze and global warming. Other New England states, including MA, CT and ME, have moved forward with rules to clean up their aging and dirty plants. NH legislators have recently introduced a bill, "The NH Clean Power Act" (HB 284) that sets similar goals for pollution reductions, but allows for unlimited trading of "pollution credits" with other plants throughout the eastern U.S. and gives the plants seven years to meet the goals. With so many human and natural resources at stake, New Hampshire should be seeking a solution that achieves real benefits for NH residents and our environment in a timely manner. State legislators need to hear from you right away about the need for on-site pollution reductions and a timely clean up schedule. For more information about the pollution of the 3 dirtiest power plants in New England, visit www.psnhpollutes.com If you live on the NH Seacoast write a brief letter to your state Senators: If you live on the NH Seacoast write a brief letter to your state Senators: STATE SENATOR BURT COHEN STATE SENATOR BEVERLY HOLLINGWORTH STATE SENTATOR KATIE WHEELER If you live in both NH and Maine, write and/or call the Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate Environment committee: State Senator Carl Johnson (Chair) State Senator Burt Cohen (Vice Chair)
Please include your name and address, ask for a reply, and send
a COPY of your letter to CWA for their records.
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