Site development begins for new Illinois coal-fired power plant.

Peabody Energy Corp. said Wednesday it would begin developing roads and other infrastructure for a $2.5 billion, 1,600-megawatt power plant state officials hope will rekindle the state’s flagging coal industry.

[News Source]

Call to ban smoking in cars (TVNZ) Smoking in cars has been found to cause worse air pollution than a smokey bar or smoggy city. Otago University researchers drove around with a smoker and measured pollution levels with the window closed, partially open and open. [News Source]

Emissions test decision upheld. State air regulators' decision to eliminate vehicle emissions testing in Northern Kentucky has been upheld by a federal appeals court. [News Source]

Elimination of emission tests upheld. State air regulators' decision to eliminate vehicle emissions testing in Northern Kentucky has been upheld by a federal appeals court. [News Source]

Duke plant to cost more than forecast. Duke Energy Corp. said building two coal-fired units at its Cliffside power plant is going to cost more than the original $2 billion estimated -- reopening public debate about whether the plant is prudent. [News Source]

Air quality tower begins operation at Blandy Farm. Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce is now the site of a tower that has the capability to gauge air quality and other meteorological factors such as precipitation, wind speed and air pressure. [News Source]

Bunge agrees to $13.9 million clean air settlement. Oilseed processor Bunge North America Inc. has agreed to a $13.9 million pollution settlement that will use most of the money on projects to cut the company's emissions at a dozen processing plants. [News Source]

EPA announces pollution settlement. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached a $13.9 million settlement with an oilseed processor to cut pollution emissions in eight states. [News Source]

Board OKs sewer system for Anapra slums. The members of the board of the Border Environment Cooperation Commission and the North American Development Bank approved a $444,000 loan for a $6.4 million sewer system for the Anapra slums in northwest Juárez, which will reduce unsanitary runoffs. [News Source]

Improvement on some measures, but ozone high in Hope air quality on the upward trend. Air quality in general has improved in Hope over the past couple of decades, a new report shows. [News Source]

Legislation full of hot air. It appears the Conservatives Clean Air Act has a lot to do with smoke and mirrors. [News Source]