MONTGOMERY – Alabama Public Service Commission member Terry Dunn met this week with state Attorney General Luther Strange to discuss the potential impact on electricity rates – and the Alabama economy – of a new federal rule on air quality.

The new “Cross-State Air Pollution Rule” was made final by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on July 6. It requires Alabama and 26 other states in the eastern half of the country to reduce power-plant emissions that cross state lines. The first round of emission reductions under the new rule is effective Jan. 1,2012.

“We let the attorney general know that we are ready to work with him in any way we can to prevent these regulations from causing electricity prices to increase,” Dunn said. “Attorney General Strange has been right on top of this issue for some time, and we appreciate his efforts.”

The commissioner said Alabama Power Co. is analyzing the potential effects of the new pollution rule and should report its findings to the PSC soon.

Dunn said maintaining healthy air quality in the state’s metropolitan areas is important, “but this is not the time to implement a regulation that will put a greater financial burden on Alabama households and businesses.”