Control of Air Pollution through Process of Law

The state of New Jersey embarked on a drastic effort to reduce the levels of sulfur dioxide in its atmosphere. This effort, although only partially enforceable by the rules of law, is meeting with great success. Sulfur dioxide levels fell sharply from 1966 to 1967 and fell again in 1968. The first step to reduce sulfur dioxide levels was taken by Governor Hughes of New Jersey, who requested and received reports from the electric generating companies detailing their plans to lower emission of sulfur dioxide and particulates. Power plants operated by these companies are major sources of both forms of pollution. Much of the reduction in sulfur dioxide between the years 1966 and 1967 must be credited to the efforts of the Governor and the utilities. The New Jersey Air Pollution Control Program developed new codes designed to reduce emissions by limiting the amount of sulfur permitted to be burned in fuel oils and coal. The effective date of hese codes was May, 1968. The code for oils has been in effect since that time but the coal code has been held in abeyance pending the results of a suit filed against the code by coal and railroad companies.