U.S. District Court Judge Lacy Thornburg ruled yesterday in North Carolina’s favor in its case against the Tennessee Valley Authority.   Attorney General Roy Cooper filed suit in January 2006 asking the court to require the TVA to clean up its coal-fired power plants that pollute North Carolina’s air.

“I’m pleased that the court ordered the TVA to clean up the air pollution coming from its plants closest to North Carolina.  This will help our air, our health, and our travel and tourism economy”, said Attorney General Roy Cooper.

The ruling requires the TVA to meet specific time limits for reductions in pollution at the four TVA plants closest to North Carolina.  The TVA must clean up faster and reduce their pollution more than required under federal law.