"Federal Deal on Indiana Coal Plants Aims To Clear Chicago's Air"

"In a move that could help clean up Chicago's chronically dirty air, the Obama administration on Thursday brokered a legal deal that cracks down on some of the biggest sources of pollution along the southern shore of Lake Michigan.

As part of the settlement, Northern Indiana Public Service Co. will permanently scuttle an idled coal-fired power plant in Gary and spend $600 million to install and improve pollution controls at three other aging electric generators in Chesterton, Michigan City and Wheatfield.

The improvements will reduce smog- and soot-forming sulfur oxide by 46,000 tons a year and curb lung-damaging nitrogen oxide by 18,000 tons annually, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA and Illinois officials have documented how the pollution swirls around the lake and contributes to air-quality problems miles away from the smokestacks."

Michael Hawthorne reports for the Chicago Tribune January 13, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"Clean Air Violations Will Cost Indiana Electric Utility $613 Million" (ENS)