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Ky., Tenn. Among Worst Toxic Pollution States

Posted: 12:35 PM Aug 9, 2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A recent report shows Kentucky is the worst state in the nation when it comes to toxic air pollution from coal-fired power plants.

The analysis was released Thursday by the Natural Resources Defense Council and looked at emissions from power plants in 2010, the most recent data available.

As for the other states bordering Kentucky, Ohio ranked 2nd, Indiana 4th, West Virginia 5th, Tennessee 11th, Virginia 12th, Missouri 15th and Illinois 16th. Delaware was No. 20 in the group's "Toxic Twenty" states.

Nationally, the report found a 19 percent drop in all air toxins emitted from power plants in 2010, compared with 2009 levels.

The report said one reason for the drop, which included a 4 percent decrease in mercury emissions, is due to an increased use of natural gas by power companies.