Fairbanks mulls fines for wood stove polluters
FAIRBANKS, AK — Fairbanks is considering a law that would impose fines of $300 and up for residents whose wood-and-coal-fired stoves fail to meet pollution control guidelines.

According to the News Miner, the measure is slated to be introduced at the Fairbanks assembly meeting Thursday, Feb. 25. The paper said the federal government has put the municipality on notice that levels of fine particulate matter, known as PM 2.5, must be reduced by 2014. Studies show wood stoves are the biggest contributor to PM 2.5.

If approved by the assembly, the new chimney smoke regulations would begin Sept. 1, 2011. Under the proposal, the borough would provide subsidies and tax breaks to people who make improvements on their property that result in cleaner air.

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