Ohio has poor ranking in stopping toxic air pollution

YOUNGSTOWN — Ohio is the worst state when it comes to toxic air pollution from coal and oil-fired power plans, according to analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council.

“Power plants are the biggest industrial toxic air polluters in our country, putting children and families at risk by dumping deadly and dangerous poisons into the air we breathe,” said Dan Lashof, climate center director at NRDC, in a release. “Tougher standards are long overdue.”

The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking to update public health protections, which would help curb the air pollution problem.

But one of the nation’s biggest polluters, Columbus-based American Electric Power, has drafted legislation to block the EPA’s efforts, according to the NRDC.

Other poor Midwest performers on the “Toxic 20” list include Pennsylvania (No. 2), Indiana (6) and Michigan (7).

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com