There is provided a catalytic method for converting nitrogen oxides to nitrogen (i.e., N.sub.2). The catalyst for this method comprises an acidic solid component comprising a Group IVB metal oxide modified with an oxyanion of a Group VIB metal. An example of this catalyst is zirconia, modified with tungstate. This method may be used for reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides from waste gases, including industrial exhaust gases and automobile exhaust gases. In a particular embodiment, nitrogen oxides in waste gases may be reacted with ammonia before the waste gases are discharged to the atmosphere.