Pollution in Ohio

             It was said in The Cincinnati Enquirer article "Ohio Power Plants Dirtiest", that Ohio power plants were the worst in the nation when it comes to pollution. Ohio power plants put out more pollution than other states with twice as many plants. Representatives from these plants claim that they are operating within their legal limits, but many people feel that these limits are too obscure. What exactly are the legal limits on pollution in Ohio? Why are Ohio plants producing so much more pollution than other states, yet still able to stay within their legal confines?.
             Ohio power plants produce such a high amount of pollution that the Ohio EPA has plans to disregard a federal mandate that states the power plants must reduce the release of pollutants by 85 percent, and enforce their own which allows the power plants to reduce their pollution by only 65 percent. I believe a major reason for this is that the Ohio power plants are unable to even come close to the 85 percent decrease, and the Ohio government knows this. By dropping their state limit to reduce only 65 percent, this gives the power plants an opportunity to stay within their "legal limits". The companies may now be within the legal limits set down by the state, but could very well be operating illegally by federal standards. Ohio's plan reflects a proposal made last year by governors of six states who asked the U.S. EPA to consider a 65 percent reduction and additional studies to determine whether more cuts are needed.
             Another reason that these power plants do not want to comply with the Clean Air Act is money. By forcing these companies to install new pollution control devices, it will cost them money that they had no intention of spending. They feel as long as the plant is still running and within Ohio's legal limit, that there is no need for more pollution control. A 1990 amendment to the Clean Air Act required states to cut emissions that drift and contribute to pollution in other states.