NATURAL GAS SUPPLY ASSOCIATION

CONTACT: Charlotte LeGates

PHONE: 202/326-9316

FAX: 202/326-9334

NGSA Will Defend Use of Gas for Environmental Controls by Opposing Utility Group's Suit

WASHINGTON, DC -- The natural gas industry could lose a potential 400-500 billion cubic feet annual demand increase if a utility group succeeds in its new court battle against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), according to Bruce Craig, director of state regulatory and environmental issues at the Natural Gas Supply Association (NGSA). The Association will file Monday as an intervenor in the case, in support of EPA.

The case stems from EPA's final rule on Phase II of the Clean Air Act Amendments' nitrogen oxide (NO_x) control program, a rule issued December 19, 1996. The rule affirms the use of gas reburn as a predominant technology for controlling No_x from coal-using cyclone and wet-bottom-wall-fired boilers, many of which have no NO_x emissions restrictions today.

A large group of utilities has filed a District Court motion demanding a rehearing of the rule, charging a number of technical and procedural errors. Notably absent from the list are several Northeast utilities whose plants are already well controlled for NO_x.

"The viability of reburn as a No_x-control technology has been thoroughly documented by the Gas Research Institute and others," said Craig. "It is crucial that we back the EPA's rule to ensure that gas has access to this environmental marketplace."

The Natural Gas Supply Association represents integrated and independent companies that produce and market domestic natural gas. Established in 1965, NGSA encourages expanded use of natural gas and a regulatory climate that fosters competitive markets.

This page was placed January 22, 1997; last updated August 31, 1997.