Associated Press Published

Petition Aims to Reduce Emissions in W.Va.

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Eight Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states are petitioning the Environmental Protection Agency to require nine upwind states to cut down air pollution emissions.

The petition is aimed at West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia. It seeks a reduction in emissions carried by prevailing winds that contribute to the formation of ozone in the downwind states.

States filing the petition Monday are Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The petition seeks what it says are long-overdue commitments from the upwind states to protect the health of downwind residents and to level the playing field for businesses.

The EPA is required to approve or disapprove of the petition within 18 months.