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Utility Gets Air Pollution Lesson

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 10, 2007

It was good to see American Electric Power, which relentlessly fought efforts to clean up its power plants, finally get its comeuppance.

The nation's largest utility recently agreed to spend $4.5 billion on air-pollution equipment needed at 16 northeastern power plants and pay $75 million in penalties for violating the Clean Air Act - the highest environmental penalty in American history.

American Electric fought federal regulators for eight years - until it agreed to the consent order last month.

The company's resistance contrasts markedly with the stance of Tampa Electric Co., which once faced a similar challenge. It readily agreed to spend $1 billion overhauling two of its plants on Tampa Bay. The utility reduced pollution levels by 90 percent. TECO officials say the renovations made the plants more efficient and economical.

American Electric, on the other hand, stalled, litigated and counted on President George W. Bush's then-new administration to weaken the Clean Air Act.

The president did, in fact, try to gut safeguards with his "Clear Skies" initiative, but Congress refused to go along and the courts upheld existing laws.

Bush, alas, is still trying to weaken the Clean Air Act by developing administrative rules that provide generous loopholes for polluters. Congress should demand tougher standards.

But those concerned about healthy air can take some satisfaction that the recalcitrant American Electric Power now must pay a heavy price while cooperative TECO - and its community - has benefited from a better approach.

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