The Duluth News Tribune reports on the EPA’s plan to reduce haze from taconite plant emissions on Minnesota’s Iron Range and in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
It seems like the mining companies are still sorting out exactly what the regulations will mean, but certainly some environmental upgrades at most taconite plants are in the offing.
The federal haze standard has been cited as a limiting factor for development of new projects in the region. Perhaps if taconite brings down its emissions, other projects could be considered for permitting? I’m not sure how it stacks up, but area power producers have already invested hundreds of millions into environmental upgrades. It looks like the mines will be next.
Yippeee!