ANGA Statement on Colorado's State Implementation Plan for Regional Haze

WASHINGTON, March 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is a statement by Daniel Whitten, Vice President for Strategic Communications at America's Natural Gas Alliance, on today's announcement that the Environmental Protection Agency gave preliminary approval to Colorado's State Implementation Plan for Regional Haze. 

"ANGA commends the Environmental Protection Agency on its initial approval of Colorado's State Implementation Plan for Regional Haze."

"Through the efforts of two governors and two general assemblies and with input from a diverse set of stakeholders – including Colorado's natural gas producers – the state has developed and is implementing the bipartisan Clean Air Clean Jobs Act. This is a responsible and innovative Colorado-based solution, which will lead to more domestic production of clean-burning natural gas, strong job growth, and cleaner air.

Today's development is another important step toward greater use of natural gas and toward reduction of emissions of mercury and smog-forming compounds such as NOX and SOX. Natural gas power plants produce virtually no emissions of mercury or SOX, and this plan will reduce NOX emissions at metro-area power plants along the state's Front Range by 70 to 80 percent by 2018.

"Natural gas is substantially cleaner than dominant alternatives for power generation and transportation, and its increased use will lead to better air quality and more jobs. We're proud of the contributions the natural gas community is making today to provide a clean, abundant, American source of fuel that can help protect Colorado's majestic outdoors, which are central to Colorado's tourism industry and advance the state's economy."

America's Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA) represents 30 of the nation's leading independent natural gas exploration and production companies. ANGA members are dedicated to increasing the appreciation of the environmental, economic and national security benefits of clean, abundant, American natural gas. Learn more about ANGA at www.anga.us

SOURCE America's Natural Gas Alliance