Originally published October 9, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified October 9, 2007 at 2:01 AM
Energy firm to pay $4.6 billion fine over acid rain
One of the nation's largest power generators has agreed to end a yearslong federal lawsuit by paying $4.6 billion to reduce pollution that...
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — One of the nation's largest power generators has agreed to end a yearslong federal lawsuit by paying $4.6 billion to reduce pollution that has eaten away at Northeast mountain ranges and national landmarks.
The settlement requires American Electric Power (AEP), based in Columbus, Ohio, to reduce chemical emissions that cause acid rain by at least 69 percent over the next decade.
It also fines AEP an additional $15 million in civil penalties and an additional $60 million in cleanup and mitigation costs to help heal parkland and waterways that have been hurt by the pollution.
Details of the agreement were provided by two people familiar with its terms who spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because it had not yet been filed in federal court.
The settlement marks one of the largest government fines in an environmental case. By contrast, Exxon Mobil estimates it has paid $3.5 billion in cleanup costs, government settlements, fines and compensation for the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. The company is fighting an additional $2.5 billion in punitive fines.
Eight states, a dozen environmental groups and the EPA brought the lawsuit against AEP in 1999, accusing the energy company of rebuilding coal-fired power plants without installing pollution controls as required under the Clean Air Act.
Environmentalists blame acid rain caused by coal-fired power plants for plaguing the Northeast over the past quarter-century, including damage that has eaten away at the Statue of Liberty and the Adirondacks mountain range in upstate New York.
Smog and acid rain have been linked to sulfates and nitrates that are products of coal-fired plants.
AEP has more than 5 million customers in 11 states.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 10:26 PM
Palin links resignation to 'higher calling'
Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
Merchant Marine veterans fight for recognition
2 US troops die in attack on base in Afghanistan
Enigmatic choices create a fuzzy future

Tribal Fireworks Rivalry
The Fourth of July marks a long-standing fireworks rivalry between two clans of a Native-American family in Suquamish.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
- Palin links resignation to 'higher calling'
- Yakima teacher reprimanded for sending 5-year-old student home with bag of feces in backpack
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- 6 jurors swear a cop's wife swayed panel in Kent civil rights case
- Fire sends service providers scrambling
- Going to Gas Works Park? Good luck
- Fourth of July festivals and fireworks in Seattle, the suburbs and beyond
- Woman accuses Sounders FC player Nate Jaqua of sexual assault, seeks more than $10 million
- More than 1 million seek tix for Jackson memorial
- Rob Johnson's double in 11th powers Mariners past Red Sox, 7-6
- Palin resigning as Alaska governor
751 - Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/04 game thread
244 - Woman accuses Sounders FC player Nate Jaqua of sexual assault, seeks more than $10 million
99 - Reports: NKorean missile arrives at launch site
98 - Palin's Declaration of Independence
73 - Mariners score unlikely win over Red Sox in battle of bullpens
58 - Hatred for the NBA runs deep, but don't take it out on the players
55 - Former NFL MVP McNair killed
42 - Man pistol-whipped after argument at nightclub
40 - Plasma and LED beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
26
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Going to Gas Works Park? Good luck
- Liven up Fremont's attempt to break a world record for a 'zombie walk'
- Merchant Marine veterans fight for recognition
- Lynnwood's City Bank gets tighter scrutiny
- Yakima teacher reprimanded for sending 5-year-old student home with bag of feces in backpack
- Retail Report | Pet-supply shops grow while other retailers fade
- Palin links resignation to 'higher calling'
- Fire sends service providers scrambling
- Oregon woman obsessed with rabbits back in jail

