EPA: Power plant emissions of SO2 fell 5.5 million tons from ´90 to ´05

Oct. 16 -- Sulfur dioxide emissions from electric power plants in 2005 were 5.5 million tons below 1990 levels, according to a new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report.

The Acid Rain Program 2005 Progress Report finds the agency´s 11-year-old acid rain program has resulted in nearly 100 percent compliance. No units were out of compliance in 2005, according to the EPA.

Meanwhile, Nitrogen oxide emissions last year were down by about 3 million tons from 1990 levels.

The emission cuts have reduced acid deposition and improved water quality in U.S. lakes and streams, according to the EPA.

The report is available online at www.epa.gov/airmarkets/cmprpt/arp05 .