EPA has imposed the limits on particle pollution and mercury air emissions from the nation’s existing cement kilns and has strengthened the limits for new kilns, and has also set new-kiln limits for particle and smog-forming nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.
EPA expects to fully implement this action by 2013, and estimates this order to reduce the nation’s annual emissions of mercury by 16,600 pounds or 92%; total hydrocarbons by 10,600 tons or 83%; particulate matter by 11,500 tons or 92%; acid gases by 5,800 tons or 97%; sulfur dioxide by 110,000 tons or 78%; and Nitrogen oxides by 6,600 tons or 5%.
EPA expects this rule to yield $7 to $19 in public health benefits for every dollar in costs, thereby yielding $6.7bn to $18bn in health and environmental benefits, on an estimated $926m to $950m costs annually in 2013.
Lisa Jackson, administrator of EPA, said: “This administration is committed to reducing pollution that is hurting the health of our communities. With this historic step, we are going a long way in accomplishing that goal. By reducing harmful pollutants in the air we breathe, we cut the risk of asthma attacks and save lives.”
