Gov. Ehrlich signs Healthy Air Act into law

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. signed a bill into law this morning requiring dramatic pollution reductions at Maryland power plants, thrilling lawmakers and activists who've pushed the measure for years.

The Healthy Air Act requires six old, coal-burning power plants to cut down emissions of three harmful pollutants: nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and mercury. Two of the affected plants are in Anne Arundel County.

It also requires the state to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a multi-state effort aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

"Together with the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act, today's announcement...