A test of the air over north Birmingham shows that Jefferson and Shelby counties are in violation of a new air pollution standard on the first day it was being enforced, according to the Associated Press.

A meteorologist for the Jefferson County Health Department, Sam Bell, says a monitor in north Birmingham captured more than 45 micrograms of particles of air pollution, 35 micrograms allowed by new Environmental Protection Agency new rules.

Jefferson County officials have predicted that the area will fail unless cleanup measures are taken.

What the AP is not reporting in this context is that the chief sources of air pollution in the Birmingham area are Alabama Power's coal-fired power plants.

Alabama Power is asking the Public Service Commission to allow a 5.3 percent hike in electicity rates to cover the cost of new emissions control equipment to address some of the company's pollution issues, typically passing on the cost of cleaner power to the consumer, according to this earlier story.

Perhaps the quasi-public company with a virtual monopoly should consider a reduction in the executive pay level of Charles D. McCrary, President Chief Executive Officer and Director of Alabama Power, who takes home at least $1,858,385 a year, according to Salary.Com.

And, with their monopoly, we are wondering why Alabama Power and the other Southern Company affiliates spend so much money on "green washing" advertising? Have you seen the stupid blue bird campaign?

Instead of raising rates, we suggest they may want to eliminate the company's advertising division.