FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 26, 2004) – The state Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC) has submitted an amendment to its previously proposed air quality plan revisions for Jefferson County to meet federal standards. The amendment to the State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision for meeting the federal one-hour ozone standard was signed by secretary LaJuana S. Wilcher and sent today to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) office in Atlanta.

"Gov. Ernie Fletcher asked the cabinet to work with metro government officials to develop options to meet the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act, considering the closure of the Jefferson County Vehicle Emissions Testing (VET) program," said LaJuana S. Wilcher, secretary of EPPC.

The SIP amendment identifies emission reductions from local businesses to offset projected increases in emissions in the county from the elimination of the VET program last November. The proposed SIP amendment designates the equivalent reductions needed in Jefferson County to meet current, federal air quality standards.

Nitrogen oxide reductions from Louisville Gas and Electric Company’s Mill Creek Generating Station and the Kosmos Cement Company will compensate for emission increases from the VET program’s termination.

This proposed revision does not address additional air quality improvements that may be required when EPA identifies nonattainment areas for the new, federal eight-hour ozone standard.

EPA is expected to make its announcement on the new standard by April 15.

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